During this time of fast-paced modern life, it’s easy to forget about the kind of charm that comes with something as simple as receiving a surprise letter via the old postal route. A handwritten letter is a thoughtful gesture that can be treasured for ages!

Sending your sweetie an e-mail is quick and convenient, but it’s not quite as personal as a letter, and far less likely to be saved for posterity in printed form. Here are a few tips on how to put together a timeless love letter that will only cost you a stamp!

Choose good quality paper. Don’t just scribble a note on a used napkin or a scrap of paper with a checked-off grocery list on the back. Find a nice looking bond paper with a touch of style and class. Be sure to choose paper that is free of both acid and lignin. Author the letter using a pen with archival-quality ink to ensure that your love letter, like your undying devotion, won’t fade over time!

Greetings and salutations. Begin your love letter with a personal and affectionate salutation, followed by your sweetheart’s first name. For example, “My Dearest Charles,” and “Darling Sally,” are romantic ways to begin your letter. You don’t want to use form-letter introductions, like “To Whom It May Concern,” or overly formal greetings such as “Dear Mr. Right.” At the top of the letter, above the salutation on either the right or left side of the page, be sure to scribe the date it was written.

What to say and what not to say. You know your love best and you want your letter to reflect that, so write from your heart! Start with your thoughts, and don’t be afraid to mention cute anecdotes about key moments in your relationship like how you met, how much you enjoyed your date last week or even mention your current pet names for each other. Include details, as this will make your letter more fun to read and will help to remind you of the little things couples tend to forget as years pass.

If your relationship is fairly new, keep it simple; include your feelings and thoughts about recent activities, shared interests and such. Be honest, but refrain from mentioning anything that might be embarrassing to your loved one like, “It was good to see you last Wednesday; funny how you fell into that puddle when I neglected to put my jacket over it!” Letters that contain some light humor offer the recipient an even greater letter-reading experience. If the love letter is traveling a long distance to your beloved, write about how your thoughts are with him/her, what you’ve been doing to pass the time apart and how much you look forward to the next time you will meet. It’s best to keep love letters upbeat, but sincerity is paramount. Allow your originality and your personality to be captured in the letter.

To close out your letter, choose a genuine and endearing valediction like, “Sincerely,” “Yours Truly,” “All My Love” or “Affectionately Yours,” followed by your first name only. Of course, don’t forget to leave room after your closing for a P.S.! Postscripts provide the reader with a little extra memory to keep. Reread what you have written to be sure it is concise and flows nicely! Remember to check your spelling. Seal the letter with a little extra sweetness, maybe with a kiss, if you’re so inclined!   

Immortalize your love; take out a pen and write a love letter to send!

For more love letter writing tips and ideas, visit www.writeexpress.com/How-to-write-a-love-letter.html.