THE BEAUTY OF LOVE LETTERS AND WHY IT’S TIME TO REVIVE IT

The Beauty of Love Letters and Why It’s Time to Revive It
Ciara Santiago

February is the month of love and the overconsumption of chocolates, of course. However, this month, and of course Valentine’s Day, is not only geared towards couples but also shines a specific spotlight on those who rejoice in the platonic love they have with those in their lives, familial love, and, above all else, self-love. 

With all this said, we know that with a day like Valentine’s Day, there is a lot associated with it: gift giving, fabulous dates, delicious food, you name it. However, something that I feel has become relatively niche in the realm of gift-giving for loved ones is the act of writing love letters.

In an era of social media, dating apps, and texting, it is a world set up for instant gratification. The act of writing a letter, and in this case, a love letter brings in something that is quite rare these days. And that is taking things slow and with purpose, letter writing provokes you to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings through a tangible, heartfelt expression of emotion. So why not bring them back?

Love letters and letter writing in general bring about the feeling of sentimentalism and nostalgia that serve as a tangible reminder of care, love, and human connection. When we write we are able to allow emotions to be captured in a way that spoken word in passing cannot. In the best way a love letter can act as a vessel that holds our deepest and most sincere feelings; they are tangible yet timeless keepsakes from and to those you hold close.

Everyone has a different style of writing, but there are general elements that make a love letter truly something worth cherishing. 

1. Authenticity: The most important element would be to be authentic, write from the heart, and don’t hold back for fear of sounding silly. Even if you do, the vulnerability adds personality and warmth to your words. Love letters are meant to reflect your real emotions, and your sincerity is bound to make someone else smile. 
2. Personalization: Tailor the letter to your chosen recipient, writing in memories, inside jokes, or small details that make your bond special. By adding these personal touches, you are able to transform a simple letter into something deeply meaningful.
3. Expression: Lastly, depending on who you are writing this to, express your most sincere feelings and let them take center stage. if it is for a partner, reflect on your romantic moments and express your deepest affection. If it is for a friend or family member, express love through gratitude and recall moments that have strengthened and defined your relationship. And if this letter is for yourself, use it as a space for affirmations and remind yourself of your strengths, how much you have grown, and the love you deserve. 

At its heart, a love letter is more than a gesture; it evokes everlasting emotion in the heart, a feeling that lingers long after the words are read.

Now that the guidelines for writing a love letter are clear, the question of why you should personally write one still stands. I believe that several reasons constitute why you should. However, the main one is this: we live in a world where we can access anything and anyone within seconds. This constant immediate access can set us up to believe that all connections are fleeting and superficial. To sit down and write a handwritten letter allows and requires us to slow down, reflect, and invest our feelings on paper. I also feel it serves as a tangible reminder that even in our society, one defined by immediate access to one another, there is still an incredible amount of value in taking the time to express what truly matters. 

As a hopeless romantic myself, writing letters, or love letters, in particular, can be really therapeutic. It is a way to get creative and express yourself in ways that you wouldn’t have otherwise done. Writing opens doors, and I encourage you to pick up a pen and write something beautiful to yourself or to your loved ones. February is the month to celebrate the abundance of love in all of its forms. Allow yourself to let your words be a testament to that fountain of love that you have within, and I hope they inspire you to cherish every feeling that makes life so delightfully complex.