By: Chasalee Romero
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better way to get into the spirit than by rewatching our favorite romance movies. For me, it all started while rewatching The Notebook. That iconic scene where Noah writes Allie 365 letters—the ultimate grand romantic gesture—hit me like Cupid’s arrow. But it got me thinking: What ever happened to love letters?
Quills, Ink, and Wax Seals: The Glory Days of Love Letters
Long before texting took over, love letters were more than just words on paper—they were a reflection of the heart, written with raw emotion and no backspace button. And it wasn’t just about the words; it was the entire experience. The wax seals, the scent, the carefully chosen stamp—every detail was intentional, turning a simple letter into an unforgettable gesture. There was an effort behind it, a slow-burn romance that just can’t be replicated by a quick heart emoji.
The Decline of Handwritten Affection
Somewhere along the way, though, this tradition started to fade. These days, love letters are more likely to be typed than handwritten—if they exist at all. And let’s be real, texting just doesn’t have the same weight. There’s no anticipation, no nervous excitement as you wait for a response that could take days or even weeks to arrive. We’ve traded heartfelt ink for instant gratification. Instead of poetry-filled pages, we now get “wyd” and the occasional “ily.”
So, it begs the question: Is the art of love letter writing gone for good?
Love Letters in Movies and Books
While love letters may seem like a relic of the past, they’ve lived on in films and literature as one of the ultimate romance tropes—timeless, swoon-worthy, and always capturing our hearts. Think of iconic moments like Letters to Juliet, or the deeply romantic exchanges between Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Even Lara Jean’s love letter mishap in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before shows how these letters can turn ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.
Love letters in movies and books have this magical ability to leave a lasting emotional punch. Whether it’s a letter that changes everything or one that says what words alone can’t, these letters have a sincerity and intimacy that we can’t help but swoon over, again, and again. They’re more than just paper and ink—they’re the ultimate symbol of true love that refuses to fade.
From timeless classics to modern rom-coms, they never lose their charm because they’re about so much more than romance—they're about vulnerability, effort, and that gutsy move of putting your heart on paper. It’s no wonder these sweet gestures still make us believe in the magic of love, even today.
Why We Need to Bring Back Love Letters
So, as Valentine’s Day approaches, channel your inner Noah Calhoun and take a moment to write a love letter. It doesn’t have to be grand or perfect—it just has to be real. Whether it’s on paper, in an email, or even in the Notes app on your phone, let it be a reminder that the art of love is still very much alive—if we’re willing to put in the effort.
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