The first time I wrote a love letter, I was 14 years old. It was to my boyfriend at the time, it was giddy and fun, and we talked further. The words that came out of my mouth were trustworthy and honest, and he responded with a mixed tape! It was a great experience, and we remain friends to this day.
So here I am 30 years later, writing this article about why you should write and share your love letters with people around you... even if they may never talk to you again or do not feel the same. And here’s the biggest question: How do you say I love you to someone in a letter?
To write a love letter, you need to be honest. Be brave and put your heart on the page. Be yourself, even if it feels awkward or scary. The best way to tell someone how much you care about them is by being vulnerable and opening up about how they make you think whether joyous, sad, or somewhere in between.
Love letters are a great way to express your feelings but can be scary and nerve-wracking. You may be worried about being vulnerable and being rejected. You might also be afraid that the other person will judge you or think less of you for saying what's in your heart. Another reason people are scared to share their feelings is that they don't know how to say what they want to say without coming across as cheesy or awkward…and this fear may lead him/her away from expressing themselves entirely and honestly.
So…Have you written a love letter before?
Do you remember how it felt to write that first draft and then give it to the person for whom it was intended? The excitement of sending your thoughts into the world is exhilarating. You feel vulnerable but also courageous in your vulnerability. But what if there's more than one person involved? How do you decide which person gets his/her letter and which one gets part of another (or even all)? And what happens when they both want their separate letters from you? Is this even possible?
OMG, here we go:
· What happened after you shared your feelings in the letter?
· The person responded by saying they loved you too.
· The person said they were happy to hear from you.
· The person was surprised to hear from you.?
· The person was angry that you wrote the letter, cut off contact with you, or didn't respond. (In my case, it caused the sounds of silence. Which is rude, out of character, and makes me think this person must be high or just downright disrespectful).
· It's important to say what you mean, even if it feels scary. You don't have to worry about what will happen next or whether the other person will reject you. Love is worth the risk.
· You may not know how they feel about you yet, but it doesn't matter: Your words mean so much regardless of what happens next.
I hope this blog inspires you to write a love letter, no matter your fear or excitement. Your words mean so much to you AND the recipient, regardless of what happens next.
From my experience long ago, II know it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It changed my life forever, not necessarily for the best, but by the reaction. For better or worse, go there; you'll know where you stand, whether you find happiness or disappointment.
Xo,
Erin