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How to Write the Perfect Love Letter
by Larry
Barkdull, Award-Winning, Nationally Recognized
Writer |
Maybe your heart is beating wildly or maybe it is broken. Either
way, you wish you could say what you feel, but every time you try,
you come up short. Welcome to the complicated world of love! Take
comfort in knowing that poets and statesmen have struggled with the
same question--"How do I write the perfect love letter?" Here are
some simple guidelines that can help.
1. Presentation. Use beautiful stationery (a neutral, soft
color, such as cream or white) and a flair pen with black or brown
ink--no blues, greens or reds! Remember, your Love Letter is being
written to someone special. Hand-written letters are best. This is
personal--you are not writing a business letter!
2. Ambience. Go to a secluded place and put on soft,
romantic music. A quiet room would be nice. Dim the lights.
Stimulate a romantic mood.
3. Keepsake. Date your Love Letter (month, day, year).
This is a letter that will be treasured and remembered. You can bet
that it will be read over and over and safeguarded in a special
place.
4. Greeting. Choose an endearing salutation. Don't be
formal. Use you love's first name. For example: "My dearest Jennifer
. . ." or "My darling Matt . . ."
5. Beginning. Start your Love Letter by telling your
beloved your reasons for writing. For instance: "I have lain awake
many sleepless nights trying to compose words that might adequately
describe the feelings of my heart. But every time I have made the
attempt, I have failed miserably. Please forgive my poor effort and
accept a trite and simple phrase: I love you. I think I can say it
no better than that . . . ." Never insult your beloved's feelings or
belittle yourself by saying something like: "I know you probably
don't feel this way," or "You must think I'm crazy." If you are
timid in your Love Letter, your attempt at conveying heartfelt words
will fall flat and might be misunderstood.
6. Body. The body of the Love Letter should include
reasons for why you fell in love. Here are some ideas:
- recall when you fell in love with him/her
- explain how your life has changed for the better
- describe how much you miss your love when you're apart
- explain that you can't imagine life without him/her
- list some of the many things you have in common
- tell how wonderful and complete he/she makes you feel
- recall some special moments you've shared together
- mention times you've picked him/her out of a crowd
- list qualities that set him/her apart from everyone else
Avoid being casual, too light-hearted, or openly erotic. A Love
Letter is a letter of respect that coveys deep, difficult-to-express
feelings. Don't discount the impact of poetry in place of, or in
addition to, your words. Maybe your beloved has a favorite author or
poet. It will be seen as a compliment if you take the time to quote
someone he/she admires. Be sure to give proper credit where it's
due. Don't forget the Internet is a great place to find that poem or
song you are trying to quote!
Be real. Your Love Letter should be a carefully crafted work of
art, but it also needs to sound sincere. You want your Love Letter
to make your beloved fall in love, not fall into laughter. Be
confident as you express your emotions, dreams, and
vulnerability.
NOTE: don't expect your first attempt will be the letter
you send. Practice on scrap paper before you start writing on your
good stationery. REVISE, then leave it for a few hours, then return
and revise it again. Read it again in the morning before you send
it. You'll improve it, as well as have fewer
regrets--guaranteed!
7. Closing. End your Love Letter with carefully worded
prose: "There, I have said it. I can rest now. And as I dream, I
will dream of you." Make your closing upbeat and positive.
8. Valediction. Don't just end with: "Love, Eric." Even if
you said, "All my love," it would be better. You become even more
romantic by writing something like: "Dream of me, my love . . . ."
What you want is a simple, yet heartfelt goodbye: "With undying
love," or "Forever yours." Remember, you may think this is too
sappy, but your loved one will treasure each word. Be prepared to
have it quoted to you in years to come.
9. Insert. Include a special extra: petals from a flower,
sprinkles of stars, a teabag of your favorite tea . . . . You get
the idea. That little extra effort means you really put some thought
(and heart) into this.
10. Neatness counts. Gently fold the Love Letter and place
it in a neatly addressed envelope--hopefully, one that matches your
stationery. The correct way is to fold a small stationery sheet (or
sheets) in half with the text on the inside. Place the letter in the
envelope with the crease at the bottom and the salutation facing the
back. Hand address the envelope. Remember what your elementary
teacher taught you about penmanship--make sure your love is able to
read your writing! Add a stamp that looks romantic--the Garden
Bouquet stamps are nice--and affix it upside down. It is a custom
that means, "I love you." Drop the letter in the mail. That's it!
Expect an emotional response. And here's another tip: buy some
breath mints--you'll need them!
11. Be expressive. Here are some popular words to use in
your Love Letter: angel, angelic, lover, giving, alluring, tempting,
sensual, sensuality, seeing, tasting, touching, holding, caressing,
memories, memorable, darling, gorgeous, absence, velvet, voyage,
beautiful, vision, elation, blossoms, happy, kisses, innocent,
passion, dreaming, delirious, temptation, complete, desire, content,
embrace, rainbow, rose, adoring, stars, privileged, heart. |
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