Why Writing a Heartfelt Letter Matters

At its core, expressing love through words creates a deeper connection between people. Love makes us feel good, not just emotionally but physically too—it has been shown to reduce stress and even ease pain. Writing a letter allows you to put your feelings into words, creating something tangible that the recipient can treasure for years to come. Let’s dive into the steps that will help you write a letter that will truly touch someone’s heart.

Tips for Crafting a Meaningful Letter

Writing a heartfelt letter is all about authenticity and personal connection. There’s no strict formula, but a few key elements can guide you. Here are some things to consider as you begin:

Choose the Right Paper and Pen

The medium is important! Whether you’re using fancy stationery, a blank card, or just some plain writing paper, make sure it’s something that feels right for the occasion. And don’t forget a smooth-flowing pen—something that will help you concentrate on writing your emotions clearly and easily.

Find Your Genuine Voice

When it comes to writing your letter, authenticity is key. Resist the temptation to use fancy or complicated words you wouldn’t typically use in everyday conversation. The person reading it will appreciate the real you much more. Speak from your heart, and the connection will come through.

Think About the Recipient’s Feelings

Before you start writing, take a moment to reflect on how you want the person to feel when they read your letter. Whether you want them to feel cherished, inspired, or adored, keeping this in mind will help guide your tone throughout the letter.

Open with Warmth and Intimacy

Begin your letter in a way that feels natural to you. Skip the formal “Dear [Name]” unless that’s how you typically address them. Use the nickname or term of endearment that you usually use when you’re together to make it feel personal and intimate right from the start.

Share Why You’re Writing Now

While it’s not mandatory, explaining why you’re writing can help give context to your words. Whether it’s because you’ve been thinking about them a lot recently, or you want to mark a special occasion, starting your letter with a reason can set the tone and make it easier to express your emotions.

Highlight the Things You Love About Them

This is your chance to remind the recipient of why you love them. Be specific—don’t just say “I love you”; point out the qualities, actions, or quirks that make them special to you. These can be big things like their kindness or sense of humor, or little things, like how they always make your coffee in the morning.

Embrace Their Flaws

Everyone has things about themselves they’re insecure about. Take the opportunity to show your partner that you love them fully, including the parts they might not always love about themselves. Whether it’s a physical feature or a personality trait, acknowledging these imperfections can make them feel accepted and loved.

Add Some Passion

If it suits your relationship, add a little spice to your letter. A playful or romantic sentence can remind your partner of the chemistry you share and keep things fun. It’s your letter, so make it reflect your bond!

Reflect on Your Journey Together

Don’t be afraid to mention challenges you’ve faced together. Highlighting the hard times you’ve come through shows how resilient your relationship is. Celebrate the strength of your partnership, and the bond you’ve built.

Close with Optimism for the Future

To wrap things up, talk about the future. Whether it’s something as big as plans to have a family or as simple as future adventures together, ending your letter with a hopeful message about the road ahead will reinforce your commitment and love.

Example Heartfelt Letters

Sometimes it helps to read examples to spark your creativity. Remember, these are just guides; your letter should be as unique as your relationship.

Example 1:

My Dearest Flo,

I’m writing this today because something you did at the supermarket made me realize just how much I adore you. The way you helped that elderly man without a second thought just shows the depth of your kindness and generosity. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.

Thank you for always thinking of me, even in the little things like packing my lunches and leaving sweet notes inside. It means the world to me.

Last summer was tough, with us being apart, but we got through it. And I know that if we ever face challenges again, we’ll make it through together. I’d endure anything to see your beautiful smile each day.

I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you. I love you so much.

Forever yours,

Will

Example 2:

My Bear,

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I didn’t want to send you another generic card this year because you deserve so much more. I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have met you that night at the pub. Despite losing a little money, I gained something far more valuable: you.

Your sense of humor always cracks me up, even during the most mundane moments, like picking out carpet! I love that about you.

I also admire your strength and your incredible love for our family, especially when we were at the hospital with Elsie. You were my rock.

I’ve been thinking a lot about our first kiss lately. What do you say we recreate it tonight? I’ve arranged a babysitter, and I’ve got a surprise dinner planned.

I can’t wait for the future with you, and I know we’ll make amazing parents together.

All my love,

Wren

Delivering Your Heartfelt Letter

Once your letter is written, it’s time to share it! Whether you hand it over in person or send it through the mail, placing it in an envelope adds an extra element of suspense and anticipation. For an even more personal touch, consider sealing it with a wax seal.

Writing a heartfelt letter takes time and thought, but it’s an incredibly meaningful way to connect with someone you care about. With these tips, you’re ready to put your emotions into words and share a beautiful gesture of love.

The post How to Write a Heartfelt Letter appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

Launching on Valentine’s Day, the project will see the digital release of hundreds of thousands of personal letters, diaries and other handwritten documents.

That includes the beginning of Dorothy and Mac’s 70-year love story, which was penned in hundreds of love letters spanning five years.

Photo A Current affair

Their romance began in 1937, when a 17-year-old Mac met a 14-year-old Dorothy, or – as he liked to call her – his darling Dot.

“He kept on asking me to go out but my father wouldn’t let me,” Dorothy laughed.

In 1939, Mac was off to war, but the plan was always to come home to his Dot.

He said to me, When I come back home…’ he said, ‘Will you come out with me then?'” Dorothy reminisced.

“I said, ‘Of course I will, Mac!’ And then he gave me a kiss and went to war.”

They wrote letters to each other every week for five years.

Even when Mac was captured by the Germans and became a prisoner of war the letters continued.

“I hated him being away, and when the letters came back oh gee they were wonderful,” Dorothy said.

“A letter meant he was still alive, you see, so it was so exciting.”

But the best message of all came in April 1945.

Mac had escaped and he was coming home to his darling Dot.

“Hello my darling. What does one say in a moment such as this?” Dot wrote on April 30, 1945.

“I have butterflies in my stomach, love in my heart and few words that make sense in my mind. Well Mac, it’s really coming at last. You’re almost home”.

And he wrote back to that: “Hello darling. I miss you more now than ever.

Unfortunately I can’t find a boat to take me back to you.

“If they don’t hurry I guess I’ll just have to pinch a rowing boat and see what I can do!”

When Mac got home, he had some very precious cargo – half a decade’s worth of those love letters and a portrait of himself painted by another prisoner of war.

It hangs proudly at the end of Dorothy’s bed and is the first thing she sees when she wakes.

Now Robyn Van Dyke and Terrie-Anne Simmonds from the Australian War Memorial are sifting through thousands of donated love letters, including Mac’s and Dorothy’s.

“He not only managed to escape, but he managed to take all her letters with him and that blows me away because it’s not a small amount of letters,” Robyn said.

The team is looking for volunteers to help ensure those stories – and all that love – live forever.

“We’re asking people to jump online and look at those letters up close and transcribe them,” Terrie-Anne said.

“Essentially you can type what they’ve written so that way everyone can access them.”

Dorothy, who is now 101 years old, had more than 70 wonderful years with Mac before he died in 2014.

“He was nearly 90, you know. And me I just kept on going and going and going!” she said.

“He’d be up there watching every minute I bet.

“We had such fun. Oh dear we did have fun. We laughed a lot and we cried a lot.

“But we lived – and that was the main thing.”

If you’d like to volunteer for the Australian War Memorial’s project, head here.

The post Australian War Memorial brings historic Aussie love letters to life in digital collection appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.