How to write a love letter

Text messages are useful, but they are hardly romantic. Sometimes, only a letter will do (or if you prefer to keep it electronic, a letter by email).
Perhaps you have been with the same person for decades and want to tell them how much you still feel, or perhaps you are in the early stages, looking to meet singles in Manchester with eHarmony. Either way, follow these tips for love letters that will impress.

Presentation

Presentation is important. Do not write your love letter on a scrap of paper torn from an exercise book – make the paper you write on reflect the way you feel. Use good quality writing paper, or a card. Stay away from schmaltzy pictures of hearts and flowers (unless you know that the person you are writing to will love them).
If you go for a card, choose something with a picture that means something to the two of you – a place you have visited, for example. If you write by email, send your letter as an attachment rather than in the email body – it will increase the sense of mystery and excitement.

The beginning

Let the person you are writing to know why you are writing. Perhaps you were thinking about a special time you had together, and want them to remember it too? Or you feel you have lacked romance recently and want to remind them? Or maybe you are telling them you love them for the very first time? Whatever it is – let them know.

The body

Expand on what you have told them in the beginning section. Try to avoid cliché – it will tend to sound insincere. Focus instead on things that you love about them, and the things you have done together.
Remember that this letter is about them and about you as a couple – it should not be about you as an individual. If they want to write a love letter back, they will do. Until then, do not fish for compliments. The letter should be focused on making them feel special and loved.

The end

Finish off your letter with a killer phrase that will stick in their mind and make them smile when they think about your letter. Tell them that you want to be with them forever, or whatever it is that you feel. If you get a little bit cheesy at this point, it does not matter too much – just try to stick with something that sounds sincere and meaningful. From singles dating nights to love letters – in relationship terms, you have arrived.

Resource box

Lovingyou.com: Love letters
A collection of love letters and articles about love letters
Love Letters of the Civil War
Love letters from American Civil War soldiers
Esquire.com: How to write a love letter
A guide to love letter writing

Flirting with your Dog when you’re Looking for Love

You've seen them in the street and the park: those dogs that just look so similar to their owners.  You will see the regular golden retriever with the blonde boss and the bulldog with the angry looking bodybuilder for a boss.  But how much do dogs really say about us and to they have an influence on our relationships?

According to research conducted in The Netherlands our dogs can have a substantial influence on our love lives.  The type of dog you own can determine how you are perceived by the opposite sex.  

Apparently over 75% of the research respondents agreed that flirting with a dog is easier than without. The most common answer appeared to be: “Having a dog by your side gives you something to hold on to. But you don’t have to talk to the dog or include the dog in the conversation as you would with a friend.”

So which dog should you keep on your side when going out for a flirt? Should you opt for a feminine Chihuahua or a manly Boxer?  Which dog will give the right impression on the other sex? Or the better question: which dog will you bring out with you when you’re looking for love?

According to the research it can make a significant difference which type of dog you own when you go dating someone new. In general men rather date a woman who owns a Pug than a German Sheppard. Women rather date a man that owns a Boxer than a Maltese.

The reason behind this preference can be subscribed to the characteristics of the dog race, which we also describe to the owner of the dog, only just after seeing both. Women almost always see the boxer as sexy, successful and intelligent.  Men love to see a woman with a Pug because they associate this dog with success, intelligence and loyalty. For dating purposes men would like to see a sexy dog like a Chihuahua but when it comes to finding a partner they prefer a Pug.

Dogs like Golden Retrievers, Terriers and Dachshunds are dogs that will make you look friendly and loyal. So next time you go out to park you should make sure to bring the right dog with you.  Go for the sexy Chihuahua, the faithful Pug or the friendly Golden Retriever. It depends which result you are looking for.

The best places to find love with your dog are parks. Most dog owners don’t mind to strike up a conversation with a fellow dog owner. However, when you are going out on a date you might fancy something different than a stroll in the park.

Dating again after heartbreak

We all know it can be hard getting over a failed relationship, and we all deal with it differently. Some like to spend time alone, learning from what went wrong and enjoying being single, while others are keen to move on to the next relationship. This article offers advice for those getting over a relationship and starting to think about a new one.  

Value your good points and work on the rest

 It’s easy to feel bad about yourself after a relationship ends. You might focus on the negatives and obsess over your little faults. Before you can start a new relationship, you need to learn to love yourself again.   Relish your positive attributes and remember all of the ways you have helped family and friends. Take action to improve the aspects of your behaviour or personality that you would like to change for the better.

Remove the rose-tinted glasses

 Once a relationship has ended, it’s common to only remember the good times and forget about the bad. While it’s a good idea to let go of bitterness and anger, it’s not advisable to place your ex on a pedestal. It will be very hard for anyone else to live up to that image.   Recall the positive and the negative aspects of your former partner to get a realistic perspective on why the relationship went wrong. Accept that it will take time to form such a strong bond again, but be confident that you will!  

Learn from positive relationships

 While some have a rose-tinted view of their ex, others might be so hurt by a betrayal that it is difficult to imagine a new partner could be any better. For whatever reason, your romantic relationship didn’t work. That doesn’t mean that every relationship will fail.   Just think of all of the positive relationships you have in your life with friends, family and work colleagues. There are lots of people who you love and respect. Focus on their good points and remain optimistic that you will meet a great person like them to share your life with.  

Join a club to meet like-minded people

 Once you’re ready to meet someone new, the question then arises ‘how?’ One way to ease yourself back in to being sociable with new people is to join a club. You could sign up to a gym or take an evening class.   You’ll be more likely to meet someone with the shared interests. It is also a non-pressured environment where you can get to know potential partners as friends first.

Head online to find compatible matches

It can be daunting to get back on the dating scene. That’s why so many people turn to online dating sites like www.eharmony.co.uk.   You will be matched with a compatible fellow singleton, giving you the best chance of finding love again. Whether you want to start dating Birmingham singles or Londoners looking for love, you’ll find them through online dating agencies.

   

Resource Box

Relationship advice
The Telegraph’s tips for a happy relationship.

Dating
The Guardian’s articles about dating.

Love poems
The BBC’s selection of poems about relationships.