The art of expressing yourself with words sometimes seems a dying art to me. Thanks to e-mail, Twitter, Facebook, texting, and everything else our world now has to offer, taking the time to really sit down and express your love for your significant other isn’t usually on the top of one’s priority list.

So if you’re thinking of proposing, and perhaps your girl is a sucker for the written word–check this out. Here are my pointers on writing the ultimate love letter to have her weak in the knees and ready for you to drop to one of your own.

1. Compliment more than just her beauty. While girls love to hear that they’re beautiful, and odds are you can’t tell her enough, make sure you compliment more than just her good looks. Find something extra special about her that attracts you to her, and elaborate. Do you think she’s extraordinarily kind? Do you think she’s an amazing chef? The thicker you lay it on, the better.

2. Make sure it’s genuine. You don’t want to pull every cliche-compliment-love-letter-gushiness out and just stick it in there. Unlike in A Knight’s Tale, this should just be coming from you and your heart. Don’t tell her her eyes “sparkle like the stars” and she has a “heart of gold” unless you have somewhere to go with it. You want this to be about HER, not any girl walking down the street.

3. Use your hands. Anyone can take a few minutes here and there and type something up. Especially if you work on the computer, or you’re always doing your school work on there, that love letter can be a distraction rather than the main event. Set aside some time, pull out some pretty paper (OK… it doesn’t have to be “pretty”), and really WRITE THE LETTER. Use your cursive, or take your time and just make sure it’s truly legible.

4. Pull out some poetry. This is where you can borrow from the greats (unless you really want to impress her and write down some lines). If she has a favorite, do your research and find a poem that truly reminds you of her; do this even if she doesn’t have a favorite! If you’re having a hard time getting your own words on paper, look for inspiration elsewhere. I promise you once you start writing on your own, it will be hard not to stop writing about the love of your life.

5. Write it right. Don’t forget, this is a love letter. Starting it off with, “Dearest”,  “Beloved”, or “My Darling” is more than necessary. This includes when you finish it! Sign off with, “Forever Yours”, “All My Love”, or slip in a hint and use, “Your Loving Fiance”.

6. Presentation is everything. If she loves getting mail, you can mail the letter to her. However, this could get tricky if you want to be there ready to propose. Present it on a pillow, with roses, in a box of chocolates– your options here are really endless. It’s just another wonderful touch to make your proposal extra special.

Even if you are already married, engaged, or just in a relationship– there is never a wrong time to write a love letter!

Emily

Photo Credit: rosefarm.com