Thank you to Hallmark for sponsoring this discussion about how to put your heart to paper with love letters.

There’s a special box tucked away in my closet. It is full of cards and letters. I have been saving them for years. My favorite ones to go back and read are from my husband. We have been married for 13 years now, and his love letters to me actually show how our relationship has developed and changed, thanks to the passage of time and addition of children to our family.

The frequency of his love letters took a definite hit after we had been married a couple of years. It’s not his fault – life just gets busy. I look forward to occasions like my birthday or Valentine’s Day to remind him it is time to write down a few loving words – even just a brief love note in a card – for me.

A few of the Hallmark cards from my keepsake box, handwritten love notes from my husband inside many of them!

My husband knows I don’t want a tweet or a text message that says, “I love you.” How can I save that? I don’t want a screen shot. I want him to pick up an ink pen and actually write his feelings down on paper. I want a handwritten love letter – a true keepsake. A treasured note that I can take out and read over again for the rest of my life. Something I can show my grandchildren, See how much your grandpa loves me? He even wrote it down!

A handwritten love letter is a timeless romantic gesture. A tradition that is unfortunately fading away from our society, thanks to e-mail and text messaging. If you really truly want to impress your significant other, turn off your computer and put away your mobile device. There is no electronic communication allowed. Express your feelings the old-fashioned way using a pen and paper. Write a love letter.

How To Write a Love Letter in 5 Steps

Want to write a love letter? Step One: Presentation.

A love letter should be written on stationery or a card. Your significant other will want to keep this love letter, and it will last longer when it is written on quality paper or cards.

Now you’re all ready to get started. Step Two: Opening Lines

Tip: Don’t forget to add the date to your love letter! You’ll be glad you did – one, two or even ten or more years down the road. 

It’s easy to begin your love letter with a nice opening line, such as: To My Dearest [insert partner’s name].

You’re doing great! Let’s keep the ball rolling. Step Three: Ask yourself, How do I feel about my partner?

Tip: This is where you should go beyond writing a simple “I love you.” Dig deeper than that. 

Write your thoughts and feelings down on the paper without worrying about editing for punctuation, etc. Use your own voice – pretend you are talking to your significant other. Be honest. Use examples from real life experiences to back up what you are trying to say. It shows that you really do pay attention to the things you do together.

You’re almost finished! The length of your love letter does not matter. It may be long or short. The most important thing is to be honest and sincere about your feelings. Step Four: End on a positive note.

End your love letter on a positive note, such as a hope or goal you have for both of you in the future. Just a brief sentence will suffice.

The finishing touch. Step Five: Close the letter.

Letter Closing suggestions include: All my love, Forever yours, I’ll love you forever, and Always. Then you would, of course, sign your name. Now your love letter is ready to give to your partner/spouse.

Get inspired to write a love letter!

Watch this Hallmark video: Put Your Heart To Paper. It’s time to #PutYourHeartToPaper

Have you ever written a love letter to your significant other? How often do you tell your partner how you feel about them?