Self Help: Writing for Relaxation and Creative Release

One of the best ways to relax is to release energy, and what better way than to re-cultivate the art of love letter writing? I can’t think of one. For non-writers, it’s less intimidating than starting a novel or even a short story. For pros, it’s a good exercise in releasing and expressing something new — new feelings.

The love letter can be to a lover or to a friend. Love letters to children and parents are often saved in dresser drawers for life. We don’t take enough time in our lives to stop and appreciate who we love in different ways and to express — or release — this love energy. When we do, we can finally relax.

Here are some tips for writing a love letter:

For a Better Love Letter

One of the greatest tools of seduction for any lover is the ability to express him or herself emotionally. Appearance is important, the way you carry yourself is important, what you say is important, and what you write is just as important.

When writing a love letter

Do

1. Express feelings without expecting anything in return from the receiver. Let your heart flow onto the page whether you will get what you want – love – in exchange for the letter or not.

2. A great love letter poses a question without manipulation. Ask for what you want, whether it’s a date, a marriage proposal, or forgiveness.

3. Do be honest. A great lover letter express honesty and intimacy. The more honest, the better the letter.

4. A great love letter writes what he or she cannot say in person. Use the letter to “go deeper” into your feelings.

Don’t

1. Write anything safe. Let it all out. Write like there’s no tomorrow. Romance is not about safety.

2. Give conditions on offers. For example, do not write: I will love you always, if you will only stop seeing so and so….or I will never date anyone else always if you will go to a party with me on Saturday.

3. Send a letter and then ignore the person after you’ve sent it. If the person disappoints you in their reaction, be disappointed. The letter allows you entrée into a higher road of expression. If the receiver chooses to stoop to meanness or ignoring you after receiving your declaration of love, allow yourself sadness.

4. Don’t write what you’ve already said in person or on the phone or in an e-mail. Give the reader reason to stop everything they’re doing and finish reading.