Tips For Writing an Old Fashioned Love Letter

Old-fashioned love letters are as old as the history of humankind.

Do you know how to write an old-fashioned love letter? Writing an old-fashioned love letter is somewhat of an art, but one that is in transition or appears to be fading historically, partly because of the electronic era and changing modes of communication.

Note that electronic communication still has the potential to re-kindle the art of writing old-fashioned love letters by conveying short, sweet messages in many different ways.

Knowing how to write an old-fashioned love letter to someone is important. Thus, these tips for writing old-fashioned love letters are still relevant today.

Consider the following tips.

Use a poetic quote:

Consider writing an old-fashioned love letter by including a poetic quote from a famous writer or poet of the past. Note that the poetic voice always speaks from the heart, softly, tenderly and sweetly. At times, the words bring forth a heart-rending sadness that touches one’s emotions. 

For example, note these words from Shakespeare’s “As You Like it”, Act 2, Scene 4.

“In thy youth wast as true a lover, As ever sighed upon a midnight pillow”

Use old language:

Many of the words from old-fashioned love letters use language that appears to be becoming obsolete, changing or disappearing in time, but the power these words had in their era has not changed. Online research into old language will reveal their significance and meaning. Most important in an old-fashioned love letter is letting the one to whom the letter is addressed, know that he or she is loved.

Word play with old words is fun! For example, the word “loved" in Old English is “felaleof”.  Be careful with the use of old words though and if necessary, include a translation of the old language.   

Find the meaning of love related words or expressions, in different languages:

Note that the words “I love you” are universal and that expression is included in different languages.

For example, the words “Ik heb di leev” in Frisian and “Je t’aime” or "Je t’adore” in French, convey the same message, “I love you.” Note that in writing love letters, you need to be careful, as there are numerous different dialects. 

Always try to write your old-fashioned love letter in a language of the person to whom you are addressing it or one that he or she understands. Research phrases like this, in order to determine their date of origin and proper usage. Make certain that the words that you use convey a loving message in an accurate and proper manner.     

Use appropriate script to write your old-fashioned love letter:   

Most old-fashioned love letters were hand written with pen and ink in an artistic, now almost obsolete, kinds of script. This gave the letter the appearance of romance, as well as some degree of authenticity. For example, simplythebest.net offers a collection of old scripts like 17th century, English Gothic script.  

Develop your own poetic voice:

Your poetic voice portrays you. If you choose to speak through another poetic voice, be aware that love ripples, causing more love to blossom. Such is the nature of love.

For example,Shakespeare’s quote, from “As You Like It”, Act 3, Scene 4, speaks of romantic love and its effect on the inter-relationship between lovers.  

“The sight of lovers feedeth those in love,”

Note that while anyone who wants to write an old-fashioned love letter can quote other poets or writers, exploring and developing one’s own poetic voice can prove to be fun, as well as an exciting and revealing challenge.

Can you write an old-fashioned love letter? Yes, you can. 

Use your computer to research the basic format of old-fashioned love letters further and put it into an appropriate script. Send it to the one you love via e-mail or print it. Enjoy playing with old-fashioned love letters.