Sweet, incomparable Josephine, what a strange effect you have on my heart! Are you angry? Do I see you looking sad? Are you worried?... My soul aches with sorrow, and there can be no rest for you lover; but is there still more in store for me when, yielding to the profound feelings which overwhelm me, I draw from your lips, from your heart a love which consumes me with fire? Ah! it was last night that I fully realized how false an image of you your portrait gives!

You are leaving at noon; I shall see you in three hours. Until then, mio dolce amor, a thousand kisses; but give me none in return, for they set my blood on fire.

-Napoleon Bonaparte, 1795

I more than love you, I'm not whole without you. You are life itself to me. When you are gone I'm waiting for you to return so I can start living again. Happy Anniversary & thank you for 31 wonderful years.

I love you,

Your Grateful Husband

-Ronald Reagan, 1983

These days emails and text messages have largely replaced handwritten love letters. However, just because we're living in a digital era doesn't mean that the passionate love letter has to die. Taking the time to write a romantic note can work wonders for your relationship. Your girlfriend will be surprised, touched and reminded of how much you love her.

Many guys are afraid of writing a love letter, worrying that it won't live up to her romantic ideals. But, you don't have to be a poet to get your message across. A love letter doesn't have to be full of flowery metaphors or rhyming couplets; it just has to be from the heart. Even a few short sentences will work, if they are sincere and well thought out. A love letter can even be cute and funny, if you feel more comfortable writing in that style.

To write a memorable love letter, get a crisp sheet of paper, and choose a good quality pen. Write neatly and slowly to avoid making mistakes. It might be a good idea to write some ideas out on a scrap piece of paper, and then carefully transfer them to a good copy. A perfect finishing touch is a placing a handful of rose petals or dried wildflowers into the envelope. If you want to add special touch, seal the envelope with wax by lighting a candle and carefully dripping a small puddle of wax (about the size of a quarter) over the flap of the envelope.

Don't forget to write your girlfriend's name on the envelope, or think of a sweet way to address her, such as “My Love.” Next, leave the love letter where your girlfriend will find it, or present it to her during a special occasion.

Writing a love letter to your girlfriend or wife is an excellent way to keep the romance alive and let her know how passionate you are about her. While a dozen roses or a box of chocolates won't last, a thoughtfully written love letter will.