1. Pray. Nobody knows your spouse and how he or she is best loved like God. Pray that He’ll enable you to love and honor your partner well.
2. Make a list. Start with three categories: Things I like and love about you; Things you do for me and our family that I appreciate; and Memories. Tips:
Try to think both in detail and about the big picture.
Include the past, the present, and the future.
Remember times when you’ve been emotionally moved by your spouse or GF, what it was about your spouse that prompted such feeling, and how you’d describe that emotion.
What sets your spouse/GF apart?
What did God create in your spouse/GF that makes an excellent match for you?
How is your world different because you have this person?
What do you see in your husband or wife that he or she may not see?
3. Determine what you want to say. What do you want your spouse to know as a result of reading this? For example, you might long to communicate, “I love you deeply. I am committed to you. I appreciate you. I’ve wanted to do something special and romantic for you.”
4. Don’t neglect presentation. Where, when, and how would this be the most meaningful? Should you mail it? Present it on a special date? Read it in a nostalgic location? Do you want to convey your words on special stationery (write a few drafts first!), spray it with perfume (lightly, okay?), seal it with wax, wrap it in ribbon, or even frame it?
Is there a poem, Scripture verse, quote, or are there song lyrics that express your love perfectly? (Allow these extras only limited real estate on your paper. Don’t let someone else serenade your beloved entirely.)
Elements of a love letter:
Greeting. Date your letter, then use a knockout greeting that fits your relationship—“To the love of my life,” “To my perfect partner,” “To the one I always dreamed of,” or even the classic “To my wife.”
Intro: This is why I’m writing. Honestly express that who your spouse is has compelled you to write and why. And do it confidently! Timid, “You probably don’t feel this way …” words diminish what you’re saying and the person to whom you’re saying them.
Body. Use your list above to lavishly honor and adore your mate. Articulate your emotion, commitment, and God-fueled love for them.
A memorable exit. You might leave on a note of commitment, saying in a sense, “This doesn’t end here!” Some examples: “I still do,” “Still yours and loving it!”, “Can’t wait to grow old with you,” “You still captivate me,” or “You’re still the one.” Or you might try expressing the depth or breadth of your love: “You have my heart.” While you’re at it, reread your letter out loud to make sure what was in your head came out of your pen.
Things to avoid
- Typing it. Unless your handwriting can’t be interpreted by anyone but you, the handwritten element is unmatched in personalization and sentimentality. Even if you’ll write more when you type, remember that the labor of writing something out is part of the unique expression of a love note (if you must, type it and then copy it by hand). While you’re at it, nix the notebook paper or anything else with lines. Think romance.
- Using words that aren’t yours. Genuine feeling is part of the power of a love letter. And creativity, even when it’s not as great as someone else’s, expresses your unique, personal desire to honor your mate. Don’t avoid cheesy words entirely (most of us are longing for a little sappiness), but keep it authentic, in your own voice, and avoid clichés that might cheapen what you’re saying. Key point here: A love letter is meaningful in part because it puts in hard copy how you feel about him or her in particular.
- Focusing on yourself. Remember that this is essentially in praise of your mate, your marriage or relationship, your love, and the God who’s brought you together and done something beautiful.
- Wag mong lagyan ng maraming cologne yung letter mo, masakit sa ulo.
Tips from FamilyLife.com
