Writing Romantic Emails

While electronic communication may seem like the antithesis of "warm and cozy," people the world round are discovering email, chat rooms and Instant Messages to be a great way to rekindle friendships, spark up new romances, and stay in touch throughout a long distance relationship. E-communications have reignited the use of the love letter. Here are some simple steps you can make to your email more romantic—leaving the receiver of your message feeling like you have been gazing deeply into his/her eyes:

1. Use the other person’s name periodically throughout your letter. Using the other person’s name is the email equivalent of eye contact. It also lets the other person know that you are talking to them personally, rather than writing a generic message to anyone—or everyone.

2. Comment on what the other person said in their last email, or in their profile. Commenting on what was previously written, is the email equivalent of listening. It lets the other person know that you heard what they said, or noted what they asked and are now responding appropriately.

3. Use images to transmit a mood. Send electronic photos of flowers, sunsets, rainbows, shooting stars, the full moon...the things in nature that we consider it romantic to view with one whom we love.

4. Write poetry, or share a story that had an emotional impact on you. Poetry is often inspired by an experience or feeling that has touched us, which we want to share with someone else. It is like verbal artwork. Stories that evoke feelings are much the same. Open your heart and put your feelings in words.

5. Share your "someday" dreams. Tell the other person about places you’d like to go, things you’d like to do...and the ways that you see him/her fitting in. "Someday, it would be fun to go to Venice and ride in a gondola, or go to the far reaches and sit outside all night to watch for the Northern Lights" Just because you can’t DO romantic things together, doesn’t mean you can’t share romantic ideas or experiences via your email.

6. Use punctuation for emphasis and communicating your enthusiasm! People I have never spoken to email me to say they my enthusiasm is contagious. As I pause to wonder how I am spreading my joy to people I’ve never met, I realize that I communicate my feelings by using lots of BIG letters, italicized words, bold messages, emoticons ;-) and exclamation points!!!!! Don’t leave your sweetheart wondering about your mood or tone; make your enthusiasm perfectly clear!