I wanted to make a collection of love letters for my wife. This is not something that comes easily to me, so I looked for examples. There are plenty of guides, but not as many actual examples. So I’m publishing what I gave my wife in the hopes it helps someone.
As is usual, it turns out I was overthinking it. I assume if you’re reading this, you already have romantic thoughts. Just write them down in your preferred notes app. Revisit as you have time. The letters don’t need to be long or elaborate, just heartfelt. 7 or 8 letters, typed or handwritten is plenty. Add in a few dozen pictures to make it visually appealing and more personal.
The benefits are more than just a book. This is essentially a gratitude journal that gets polished and gifted in the end.
Working Notes
Completing a project like this while having a wife, kids, house, career, etc. can be difficult. The strategy that got me through was working a little at a time. I started a notebook in OneNote and made progress when I had time and inspiration. Most of this was written from my iPhone while sitting in my kids room trying to make bedtime happen.
These are the notes I used to make this project. I like starting with lists of ideas/sentiments/keywords/phrases.
Products Used
Opening
A thousand words could never convey how much I adore you, so you’ll have to settle for these three:
I love you
Overview
To Anna,
15 years ago, I showed you a list of my hopes and dreams for the life I wanted to build. As far as I knew then, it was just a dream.
Since then you’ve added more to my life than I could ever imagine. You’re better than a dream come true. I love you more than I could ever put into words.
Thank you for being you. I love you.
Love,
Ben
Wedding
To Anna,
12 years ago we stood in front of a church and promised to love each other.
In retrospect, that was the easiest promise I’ve ever managed to keep. I didn’t understand miracles yet, but the keeper of the stars sure knew what he was doing.
Thank you for not just being my wife, but my best friend. I love you.
Love,
Ben
Adventures
It isn’t that I don’t like adventures, it’s that I put more emphasis on a different sort of adventure. Little-a adventure vs Big-A Adventure(TM). I see every day with you as an adventure… and sometimes misadventure. The adventures I was more focused on include getting married, building careers, buying a house, discovering hobbies, having kids, hopefully rediscovering hobbies, and eventually I pray growing old together. The adventures I love most right now are date nights, shopping trips, family outings, and getting to know you better.
When the time is right, we need to do more Big-A Adventures(TM). I like those too (but only with you if I’m being honest). For now, I love the little-a adventures.
Until we get back to Big-A Adventures(TM)
Ben
Achievement
To Anna,
We’ve managed to build a great life together. By capitalizing on luck and opportunity, we’ve achieved more than some dare to dream.
Thank you for being driven, for aspiring to more than the status quo, and for helping me to do the same.
I’m proud of you. I love you.
Love,
Ben
Eleanor
To Anna,
7 years ago you showed me miracles are real. We named her Eleanor.
I love that she has your nose and your mischievous smile. It warms my heart every time she opens her mouth and your words come out.
Thank you for being a good mother. I love you.
Love,
Ben
Owen
To Anna,
4 years ago you reminded me miracles can happen to us. We named him Owen.
I love his rambunctious energy… and how he also embodies the polar opposite with his demands for snuggles. He makes our home feel more alive.
Thank you for being a good mother. I love you.
Love,
Ben
Looking Forward
To Anna,
A dozen years is a long time to be married, but a lifetime will never be enough. God willing, I hope the next dozen years treats us as well as the last.
I can’t wait to find out what the future has in store. I love you.
Raging Computer 