How to Write a Love Letter (Part 2 of 2)
(Continued from Love Letters)Before you set ink to paper, be sure to do a rough draft of your letter and check it for spelling mistakes. Spelling mistakes show that you don't care enough to look up the word in the dictionary. They should be written with the utmost regard for perfection. An ungrammatical expression, or word improperly spelled, may make you the subject of ridicule.
Writing from the heart is a lyrical, rather than an academic or professional exercise. It is OK to rhyme, use metaphors and so-called corny phrases such as "my darling." It is also acceptable to quote from the lyrics of popular songs. Avoid complicated words and language wherever possible so that the reader understands your message of love.
When deciding how to phrase the opening of your love letter, consider what stage you are at in your relationship with the recipient. For instance, if you have only been dating someone for a week, you would probably start the letter with "To Sheila, with warmest affection" rather than "To my darling Tracy, my soul mate and love of my life."
As a general rule, the longer you have known the person, the stronger the language. If it has been a briefer relationship, keep the language lighter.
The last line of the letter should also have similar impact. Suggestions are "Till our next meeting", "Yours as always" and "I long for your touch."
As a rule, the love letter should be written with some reserve, in case your love is careless and decides to show it off to prying eyes. Avoid expressing yourself in a way that all mimics the language of an obsessed stalker. Phrases such as "I can't live one more day with out you" or "I would kill myself if I knew you didn't feel the same" are over the top. If after time your feelings for this person entirely change, you will regret that you wrote the letter at all. If the love remains unchanged, no harm will certainly be done, especially if you wrote the letter with judgement and care in the first place.
If an engagement is mutually broken off, all the love letters should be returned. To retain them is dishonorable. It is better for both parties to wipe out every recollection of the past, by returning to the giver every memento of the dead love.
As these letters are often kept as a memento make sure that you take advantage of this opportunity to tap into your creative imagination and write a letter that your loved one will cherish for years.