Why We Love Love Letters

Written by Claire Colvin

Of all the articles I’ve written over the past 10 years, it’s my article on how to write a love letter that gets all the attention. I’ve been interviewed about it three times – twice on the radio and once for a newspaper in Dallas. Love letters capture our hearts and our imaginations and with good reason.

There is something powerful about love written down. Love is wonderful to hear, and well worth singing about, but it’s a completely different experience in a letter. On paper, you can take the time to really think about what you want to say. As the recipient you can keep reading the words until they settle in your heart.

There is something timeless and permanent about a love letter and this shouldn’t surprise us.

Does your relationship need help?: Talk to a mentor
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Think of all the times you hear “put it in writing”. An idea, even a promise, means a little more when you take the time to write it down. When I was in University I got a particularly memorable love letter. It was short – four lines, just 16 words — and it was perfect. Time passes and relationships change, but I still have that letter.

At the heart of it, we all long to be known. There is a wonderful line in the movie Shall We Dance? where Susan Sarandon’s character is taking about love. She says, “Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness.” This is what all good love letters say too. They say “I see you. I know you. I love you.”

If you’re ready to put your love into words, take heart. You don’t have to be Shakespeare. Writing a love letter is much easier than you think. Read “How to Write A Love Letter” for 8 great ways to get started. I promise you it’s worth the effort.

If you feel like you’re on the edges of love this season and need someone to talk to, we have mentors available 24/7. You can use this form to contact a mentor. The search for love is at the core of so much of what we do. If you’ve ever wondered why love matters so much, take a look this short video from Erwin McManus. If you’re searching, you’re not alone.

Tags: dating, erwin mcmanus, gift ideas, love, love letter, marriage, Men, relationships, sex and love, Valentine's Day, Women

One Response to “Why We Love Love Letters”

Ann says:

February 8, 2010 at 1:52 pm

I’m inspired to write a love letter for Valentines. I find I rarely handwrite letters anymore. What a beautiful reminder that a personalized love letter can have a huge impact on my relationship.