How to Write a Love Letter {the easy way!}

How to Write a Love Letter

Looking for Valentine's Day ideas? We're keeping it real today with a simple and timeless Valentine's Day gift: a handwritten love letter. Actually putting pen to paper. Whether you're a hopeless romantic {who can't seem to summon the right words}, or a hopeless unromantic, this guide how to write a love letter is for you! Yes, dear reader, it is easier to buy a card {even if it takes an hour standing shoulder to shoulder with everybody else!} But, there is absolutely nothing lovelier and more romantic than a handwritten love letter! It's a classic that works.

You can do this--let your inner romantic out. No pressure to be a Shakespeare or Frieda Kahlo, the guide below will walk you through the anatomy of how to write a love letter {one that will inspire your kids someday}.

First things first ...

Purchase beautiful stationery and a fine writing pen! Unless you're stranded with nothing but a gum wrapper and a piece of charcoal, this part should be easy. There's nothing like luxurious paper and a pen that glides over the paper to make a classy statement.

Get alone to daydream! Before you start to write, think about your Valentine and all the ways they make you happy and give meaning to your life. Make a list. Refer to it as you write.

The Anatomy of a Love Letter: 3 Parts

2. The Good Stuff in the Middle: This is where you share what's in your heart. It's the time to be real and vulnerable.

a. Write about their traits:
charming, beautiful, loving, handsome, strong, independent, intelligent, kind, brave, feisty, opinionated, optimistic, generous, sweet, hilarious, silly, fun, gentle, honest, etc.

b. Share what life is like with them:
full, adventurous, exciting, rich, joyful, happy, contented, spirited, real, beautiful, imperfectly-perfect, unpredictable, etc.

c. Share your hopes & optimism for the future:
I want to grow old with you | You're going to make a wonderful parent | I can't wait to see what the future holds |

*Consider adding a quote from one of your favorite authors and relate it to the two of you somehow. For instance this quote from Lao Tzu {ancient Chinese philosopher} "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." And just like that, honey, you make me brave!

Example of a Real Love Letter

I love love this excerpt from a love letter that the first George H. W. Bush wrote to his beloved Barbara before they were married. George was away at war. I love the simplicity, the passion, and outpouring of his love. It's a great example of a truly romantic, heartfelt love letter. Way to go, George!

Dec. 12, 1943

My darling Bar,
This should be a very easy letter to write — words should come easily and in short it should be simple for me to tell you how desperately happy I was to open the paper and see the announcement of our engagement, but somehow I can't possibly say all in a letter I should like to.

I love you, precious, with all my heart and to know that you love me means my life. How often I have thought about the immeasurable joy that will be ours some day. How lucky our children will be to have a mother like you —

... This may sound melodramatic, but if it does it is only my inadequacy to say what I mean. Bar, you have made my life full of everything I could ever dream of — my complete happiness should be a token of my love for you.

All my love darling —

So, are you convinced of the power of a simple, handwritten love letter? Will you be writing one this Valentine's Day?

* For your inspiration ... browse beautiful designs in personalized stationery and Valentine's Day Save the Dates.

Inspiration