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Plus, how to write a love letter from start to finish
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Writing love letters is an old-fashioned and swoon-worthy way to show your crush or partner how much you care about them. If you want to take up this time-honored tradition, but you're not sure where to start, we're here to help! Feel inspired by these love letter ideas for your crush , your partner , or your spouse , with writing advice from dating coach and matchmaker Crista Beck and certified professional matchmaker Julia McCurley.

Best Things to Write in a Love Letter

  • Tell them all the reasons you love them.
  • Describe the qualities you love most about them.
  • Share one of your favorite memories of them.
  • Write about a simple moment that touched your heart.
  • Tell them what they mean to you.
  • Describe how their love has changed your life for the better.
  • List things they do that you appreciate.
Section 1 of 5:

Love Letters Ideas for Your Crush

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  1. Beck suggests describing "the qualities that make them [your crush] special to you." Do they have a generous, giving spirit? Are they bold and tenacious? Are they honest and loyal? Define what it is that makes you love being around them, and then put that into words.
    • "What I love most about you is how kind and generous you are, even to people you just met."
    • "I love how you're never afraid to stand up for your beliefs. It's one of my favorite things about you."
  2. 2
    Write about a simple moment that touched your heart. Think of "a very simple moment" when your crush did something "that really touched your heart, but you never told them about it," suggests Beck. Maybe they offered to help a stranger or stopped to observe how beautiful the clouds looked. Maybe they made sure you got to order your food first at the restaurant. Nothing they do is too small to be overlooked.
    • "People are always saying to stop and smell the roses, but you're the first person I've ever met who does that in real life."
    • "It was a small thing, but I really loved how you helped that elderly lady with her groceries."
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  3. 3
    Tell them what they mean to you. Think about what your life would be like without your crush in it. Now, try to put into words how important they are to you. Feel free to say oft-used phrases like, "You mean everything to me," or "You mean the world to me." They may be simple, but they're concealing a well of deep, passionate feelings behind them.
  4. 4
    Express how they make you feel when you're with them. Compliment your crush by telling them how good and happy you feel when you're around them. They'll appreciate it even more if you get more specific, like describing your emotions when they touch you or look at you a certain way.
    • "You make my heart feel lighter. My worries aren't as important when I'm near you."
    • "When you hold my hand, you make me feel safe and secure."
  5. 5
    Write about quirky things they do that you think are adorable. Everyone has little quirks and odd things they say or do. Some people find them annoying, but a loving partner often thinks they're cute and endearing. Talk about the quirky things you've noticed about your crush in your love letter. Let them know they're just a few of the many characteristics you adore about them.
    • "I think it's so cute the way you stretch and yawn really big before you get out of bed every morning. It reminds me of a cat."
    • "It's adorable the way you're always wearing mismatched socks."
  6. 6
    Talk about their talents and skills that you admire. Think about the various talents and skills your crush possesses. Maybe they're really good at carpentry or sewing. Or maybe they're the star athlete on the college football team or a volleyball teacher for middle schoolers. Their talent can also be something more quirky, like being able to tie a cherry stem into a knot with their tongue. Whatever it is, make them feel seen and valued by expressing your admiration for them in your love letter.
    • "It amazes me how good you are at cross-stitching. You opened my eyes to a whole new skill."
    • "You're such a talented singer. I really hope you start doing concerts soon because I'll be your #1 fan."
  7. 7
    Make up a poem or transcribe one that expresses your feelings. A poem is the perfect thing to write in your love letter when you have trouble getting your feelings onto the page. Poems use literary devices like metaphors, similes, and rhyming schemes to help you express your emotions more meaningfully. If you're not confident about writing a love poem on your own, no sweat! Just look to the greats like Shakespeare or Robert Browning, and copy their words into your letter. (Just remember to give credit where it's due.)
    • "True love is a durable fire, / In the mind ever burning, / Never sick, never dead, never cold, / From itself never turning." Sonnet 40, Shakespeare
    • "While I am I, and you are you, / So long as the world contains us both, / Me the loving and you the loth, / While the one eludes, the other must pursue." Life in a Love , Robert Browning
  8. 8
    Make a list of words you associate with them. Imagine your crush in your mind's eye. Then write down every word that comes to your mind with that image. It can be anything from adjectives (like "beautiful" or "handsome") to objects or places. For example, if your partner loves coffee, you might write down words like "espresso, steam, sweaters, cozy." Choose the word associations you like best (or use them all) and write them down in a list in your love letter.
    • "When I think of you, this is what comes to mind: beauty, grace, princess, Disney, walking, cute sundresses, Converse sneakers."
    • "These words remind me of you: tall, buff, basketball, sweat, ocean, glistening."
  9. 9
    Share a quote or Bible verse that you think best describes them. Does your creative well feel empty? Look to your favorite books, movies, or Bible verses for quotes that describe your crush, and share them in your love letter. For example, you might choose a verse from the Song of Solomon, which is famous for its poetic descriptions of love and devotion. Or you might opt for a line from classic literature, like when Mr. Rochester describes his love for Jane in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre .
    • "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead." Song of Solomon 4:1
    • You—you strange, you almost unearthly thing!—I love as my own flesh." Jane Eyre , Chapter 23
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Section 2 of 5:

Love Letters Ideas for Your Partner

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  1. Have you ever thought about why you love your partner? It's a hard question to answer because there are probably too many reasons for you to write down! But you don't have to write them all. Just start making a list and then pick the ones that are most important to you. "[It] could even be entitled, 'All the Reasons Why I Love You," says Beck.
    • "I love you for so many reasons, but especially because of how well we get along together and how we're always a team."
    • "I love you because you don't mind that I play video games a lot, and you put up with all my quirks."
  2. 2
    Share one of your favorite memories of them. No doubt you have a ton of great memories of your partner. But is there one in particular that you like to return to? Maybe you're remembering how happy they looked on the vacation you took together last summer. Or maybe you're thinking about a romantic gesture they made that was simply unforgettable. Whatever comes to mind, write it down and remind the other person why it was such a special time.
    • "One of my favorite memories is when we walked on the beach and collected seashells. I felt so at peace."
    • "I love remembering the first time I took you to the movies. You got scared and let me wrap my arm around you so you could hide your face."
  3. 3
    Write about your dreams for your future together. If you're in a long-term relationship, tell them where you want to see your relationship go in the future. For example, if you've talked about starting a family, express how much you look forward to having kids someday. If you enjoy traveling together, talk about all the amazing places you want to visit, side by side.
    • "I can't wait to build a life with you and grow old together."
    • "I just keep dreaming of us moving to our favorite city, living together, and having adventures every weekend."
  4. 4
    Recall your favorite date you've had so far. Is there a particular date that sticks out in your memory as the best one you've had in your relationship (so far)? It could be your 1st, your 3rd, or your 16th date. The number doesn't matter, but the emotions you felt and the fun you had do! Write about that date and explain how your lover made it one in a million.
    • "My favorite date was when we rode in a horse-drawn carriage around the park at night. It was so romantic!"
    • "My favorite dates are when we get takeout, curl up on the couch, and watch our favorite movies. It's simple, but I love that it's just you and me."
  5. 5
    Describe your first impression of them. Your significant other might be curious about what you thought of them when you first laid eyes on them. Did you know they were the person you wanted to be with forever, or did it take time for you to come to that realization? Remember to add how happy you are that things worked out so well!
    • "When I first saw you, I thought, 'Yep, that's the person I want to be with.'"
    • "When I first saw you, I must admit, I was a little worried about how much purple clothing you were wearing. Now, I've come to appreciate your unique sense of style."
  6. 6
    Tell them a secret you've never shared with them before. Is there anything funny, odd, or profound about yourself you've never told your partner? If so, a love letter can be a great place to share that fascinating tidbit! You can even turn it into a game where you use your love notes to swap interesting secrets. It's a great way to get to know your beloved better, too.
    • "I've never told anyone this, but when I was 9 years old, I used to sneak snacks into my room and eat them after my parents had gone to bed."
    • "I think we've been together long enough, so I can tell you: I like putting ketchup on my steak."
  7. 7
    Brainstorm where to go on your next date. Discussing future date ideas by love letter is more romantic—and more fun—than simply asking, "Well, what do you want to do this weekend?" Write down suggestions for places to eat, fun activities to do, and anything else you enjoy doing on dates together. Then ask them to pick from the list (or send you their own).
    • "I was thinking for our next date, we could go to the movies or go bowling. What do you think?"
    • "I'd love to take you out to dinner for our next date. We can go to that fancy restaurant you've been wanting to try or have a nice picnic in the park."
  8. 8
    Describe the moment you first knew you loved them. In the movies, the main character realizes they're in love suddenly, like a slap in the face. In real life, this feeling tends to come on more gradually. Then there might be a particular moment where we acknowledge this feeling to ourselves, thinking, "I'm in love with this person." If you had such a moment, describe it in your love letter.
    • "I knew I was in love with you when you said you loved Minecraft."
    • "I knew I would love you forever after that beautiful night we spent talking for hours, just sitting in my car in front of your house."
  9. 9
    Throw in a cheesy compliment or a funny pickup line. If you want to be extra fun and flirty, write down a corny pickup line . This might be more effective if you and your lover have been together for a while. By this time, you've probably already said all the cliche romantic phrases. So, spice it up a bit with something sillier, but just as much from the heart.
    • "Are you from Tennessee? Because you're the only 10 I see!"
    • "Did you just come out of the oven? Because you're smoking hot."
  10. 10
    Jot down lyrics from a song that perfectly captures your relationship. Is there a song that makes you think of your partner every time you hear it? Or maybe there's one that, whenever you listen to it, you realize that it perfectly captures the beauty of your relationship. If so, write some or all of the lyrics to that song in your love letter. Add little notes in the margins pointing out specific words or lines that resonate with you, so your partner can appreciate how meaningful this song is to you.
    • "I love the lyrics to 'Livin' on a Prayer.' It reminds me that whenever I struggle in life, I'm not alone. You're with me."
    • "L is for the way you look at me. / O is for the only one I see. / V is very very extraordinary. / E is even more than anyone that you adore can."
  11. 11
    Tell them what you miss the most about them when you're apart. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," goes the old saying. What makes your heart "grow fonder" of your partner when you're apart? Write down the things they say and do that you miss. You can even say that you just miss their presence.
    • "When I go back home, I miss your smile and your touch."
    • "I miss being able to talk to you whenever I want instead of having to text and call all the time."
  12. 12
    Talk about how they make you feel safe in your relationship. Feeling safe to be yourself without judgment and be loved is one of the highest achievements in any romantic relationship. [1] Let your partner know how they make you feel safe, protected, and cherished, physically and emotionally.
    • "You make me feel safe, so I feel like I can tell you anything."
    • "I never feel afraid when we're out together because I trust you to protect me."
  13. 13
    Write about a part of yourself they don't know much about. Whether you're in a new relationship or have been together for years, chances are there are still parts of your past life you haven't shared with your partner. A love letter can be a great place to reveal interesting parts of yourself that you don't think they know much about. For example, you can write about how you used to be obsessed with Dungeons and Dragons , or about the jobs you worked during your teenage summers.
    • "Have I ever told you about the time I went to a Star Trek convention? That was back in my nerd days in high school…"
    • "I don't think I've talked much about the time I lived in Boston for 6 months. That's something we could talk about on our next date."
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Section 3 of 5:

Love Letters Ideas for Your Spouse

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  1. The best love changes people—in a good way! It helps them grow, improve, soften their rough edges, and strengthen their weaknesses. Consider how your character and habits have altered since you fell in love with your spouse. Then describe those changes, making sure to attribute them to the right cause. According to Beck, saying something like "Your love has altered my existence" is "a great love letter."
    • "Since we've been together, I've felt so much happier and at peace with myself."
    • "You're so amazing that it pushes me to want to be a better person. And I believe I've become a better person because of you."
  2. 2
    Thank them for the everyday things they do. It's always nice to be recognized for the things we do every day that often go unnoticed. For example, if your spouse always washes the dishes or takes out the trash, take a moment in your letter to thank them for that. Thank them for the little gestures and tasks they do that brighten up your world.
    • "I appreciate everything you do, from making coffee in the morning to making sure the house is locked up at night."
    • "Thank you for texting me every day and telling me you love me at least once a day."
  3. 3
    Reminisce about your first date. Your first date will always be special to you and your spouse because it was your first! Chances are you had other "firsts" that night, too, like a first hug, a first kiss, and a first real, meaningful conversation. It may also have been the first time you felt a spark between you. Reminisce about that date, your favorite moments from it, and how things have changed.
    • "Remember our first date? I took you to see The Avengers in theaters, but my favorite part was afterward. We got dinner and talked for hours."
    • "I felt so nervous on our first date, but seeing and talking to you immediately put me at ease."
    • Haven't been on a first date yet? Pick other wikiHow users' brains for fun places to go with your crush on our "What are some good first date ideas?" forum !
  4. 4
    List your favorite things you've accomplished as a team. Calling all power couples! This is your chance to gush about the goals you've met and the obstacles you've crushed while working together. It could be something as simple as assembling a piece of furniture or as life-changing as buying a house. Whatever it is, give it a moment to shine in your love letter and bask in your achievements as a twosome.
    • "We did so much this year! Remember when we renovated the laundry room? It looks amazing!"
    • "We dreamed of taking that trip to Europe for so long. I can't believe we actually did it!
  5. 5
    Reaffirm your commitment to them. Remind your partner how deeply committed you are to your relationship. They probably already know you love them, but reading it in a love letter is both romantic and reassuring. It tells them that, come what may, you're still determined to be their loving partner and teammate.
    • "I'm as much in love with you as I was when we first committed to each other."
    • "I'll always be your supporter, your friend, your confidant, and your lover."
  6. 6
    Write about the ways they make you proud. Start thinking about things your partner has accomplished or that they do every day that make your heart swell with pride. Maybe they recently graduated from college or landed their dream job. Or maybe you're just proud of them for working hard and showing up for you. Whatever it is, let them know about it and make them blush by bragging on them."
    • "I'm so proud of all the hard work you did to earn your master's degree."
    • "You put blood, sweat, and tears into making your business work, and I couldn't be prouder."
  7. 7
    Thank them for being supportive of you. To create a healthy, long-lasting relationship, you have to be willing to support your partner. We're not necessarily talking about financial support (although that's also valid), but we're definitely talking about the emotional kind. If your partner has encouraged you, listened to you, and advised you, write a couple of lines thanking them for that effort.
    • "I wouldn't be where I am today without you always being by my side and advocating for me."
    • "Thank you for taking good care of my heart and making everything better."
  8. 8
    Turn your romance into a fairy tale with "Once upon a time…" Begin your letter by giving a brief history of your relationship in the form of a fairy tale. How does every great fairy tale begin? With "Once upon a time," of course! This is not only a charming way to write a love letter, but it casts you and your partner as the main characters in an epic story. Now that's romantic!
    • "Once upon a time, a garbage truck driver met a radio producer, and they fell in love."
    • "Once upon a time, a beautiful maiden was walking along one day and tripped on the sidewalk. As she was struggling to rise, she looked up and saw a handsome prince leaning down to help her."
  9. 9
    Recall a funny moment that made you love them even more. Reach back in your memories for a time when your partner made you laugh with something they said or did. Make sure it's something they thought was funny, too, and not something that embarrasses or hurts them to think about. Then remind them of it in your love letter and share a good chuckle.
    • "Remember the time you dressed up as Gollum for Halloween? I never laughed so hard in my life."
    • "One of my favorite memories is when you accidentally turned the blender on without the lid. The look on your face was priceless!"
  10. 10
    Include your favorite pictures of them and write about them. Print copies of photos of your partner that you took with your phone. Write the date the picture was taken and what you were doing on the back. Then slip it into the envelope with your love letter and write about why you love those pictures so much.
    • "This picture is from when we went scuba diving. I love how pretty you look in the water and how blue the sky is."
    • "I look at this photo a lot. You look so beautiful holding our baby for the first time."
  11. 11
    Write a "top 10" list. Make a "top 10" list of things that you and your partner did in the past or plan to do in the future. It can be anything from the top 10 dates to your top 10 cooked meals to your top 10 dream vacation destinations. Ask your partner to add to the list or make their own and share it with you. Here are some other list ideas:
    • Top 10 funny moments
    • Top 10 memes you like to send each other
    • Top 10 favorite TV shows
    • Top 10 movies you want to watch together
  12. 12
    Write about what your marriage has taught you so far. Marriages are learning experiences. No doubt you and your spouse have both learned a lot in the time you've spent together. Jot down those lessons in your love letter, so they know how much you're willing to grow and put effort into loving them.
    • "Since we've been together, I've learned to be more patient and understanding."
    • "Our relationship has taught me how much stronger I am with you."
  13. 13
    Gush about their parenting skills (if you have kids together). Talk about how great of a mom or dad they are and the positive impact they're having on your children. Then thank them for all their efforts to keep your family strong and make the household run smoothly. Finally, praise them for being a team player, not just as a parent, but as a partner.
    • "You're the best mom in the world. I see all the little ways you try to make life magical for our kids."
    • "Our baby couldn't ask for a better dad. Thank you for working so hard to make sure we all have everything we need."
  14. 14
    Ask them a fun couples question. Couples questions are buckets of fun, whether you've only been dating for a few weeks or a few decades! By answering them, each partner shows how much they know (or still have to learn) about their significant other. Write a question like this in your love letter, give your answer, and then ask them to offer theirs the next time you see each other.
    • "What's my favorite season? I think yours is fall!"
    • "Who is the pickier eater? It's definitely me, but what do you think?"
  15. 15
    Transcribe your old, romantic texts, emails, or love notes. Still not sure what to write in your love letter? Look at past messages you sent to your lover for inspiration! Leave no stone unturned: check your previous texts, emails, direct messages (DMs) on social media, or love notes. Find a few lines you really like, then transcribe (copy) them into the love letter. This is also a great way to reignite your romance and show how far you've come as a couple!
    • "I was looking through our text messages, and I found the first one I ever sent you…"
    • "My old love letters were pretty cheesy, but this line really stood out to me…"
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Write a Love Letter

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  1. 1
    Start with a romantic salutation, like "Dearest" or "My beloved." Write it on the top left side of the page, followed by a comma (",") or a colon (":"). Remember, this isn't just a regular letter—this is a love letter. So when you're writing the salutation, make it romantic! Don't just write a boring "Dear Sam" or "Dear Amy." Instead, write "Dearest Sam" or "My beloved Amy." Leave no doubt in your partner's mind that this letter is going to sweep them off their feet. [2]
    • You can also start the love letter with your pet name for them, like "Dearest Pookie," "To my beloved love-monkey," or "To my sweet Peanut."
  2. 2
    Make the love letter as long or short as you want. This isn't an essay for school or a presentation for work, so there's no word count you have to follow. You're free to write your love letter as long or short as you desire in the space underneath your salutation. If you find yourself rambling on or have trouble thinking of what to say next, that's a good sign that it's time to wrap it up.
  3. 3
    End with an expression of heartfelt love. In the last sentence, tell your partner that you love them and express your devotion. Then, one or two lines below the body of the letter, McCurley suggests signing with a romantic closing like, "You are always in my heart," "I love you now and forever," or "I am yours forever." You might also look forward to the next time you see each other or to receiving their response. Don't forget to sign your name at the end of or underneath the closing!
    • "I love you so much, and I can't wait to see you this weekend. Danny."
    • "I am yours forever. Please write back soon! Carrie."
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Section 5 of 5:

Final Thoughts

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  1. Write all your own words or sprinkle in quotes, song lyrics, poems, or old love notes to get your feelings out. Feel free to use any of the love letter ideas we shared above as inspiration or come up with your own prompt. Just remember to be sincere, to bare your soul, and above all, to be romantic!

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