Related: communication - epistolary novel - mail order - media - personal
Love letter
A love letter (French: billet doux) is a popular way to express feelings of love in written form. Sometimes sent in the mail, and increasingly, by electronic mail, the letter may comprise anything from a short and simple message of love to a lengthy explanation of feelings.
Some letters are created as the thoughts come to the author, and allows them to express feelings that they may not be able to in person. This may be to an existing love or in the hope of establishing a new relationship.
As with any letter, a love letter could be written in any structure or style. One historically popular method is as a sonnet or other form of poem. William Shakespeare's sonnets are often cited as good examples of how to write emotional themes. There have been published books collecting models and suggestions for love letters.
After the end of a relationship, returning love letters to the sender can symbolise the hurt felt.
Some stationery companies produce paper and envelopes specifically for love letters. Some of these are scented, though some people like to use their own perfume to strengthen the impact of the letter. --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_letter [Oct 2005]