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- August 9 was World Caligraphy Day, a holiday set to remind people about the importance of handwriting
- In romantic relationships pre-digital era, handwritten love letters played a vital role in keeping the flame alive in people’s love lives
- Although large amounts of digital information have unjustly replaced letter writing, true lovers of written art still believe in its potency, especially in reviving relationships
- In this article, we explore the art of love letter writing and how couples can harness this age-old form of communication to bring some spark to their love lives
I was 13 years old when I received my first love letter. It was from a boy named John in my neighbourhood who was too shy to pour out his heart’s desire to me physically. It did get both of us in trouble when my Nigerian dad got a hold of it, but something about the heartfelt romantic words on paper using a ‘golden pen from the basket of love’ left me with butterflies in my stomach!
World Calligraphy Day is celebrated annually on the second Wednesday of August. For the year 2023, it was celebrated on August 9. This holiday is designed to remind everyone of the importance of handwriting which has been forgotten in today’s world due to a large amount of digital and printed information.
In honour of World Calligraphy Day, The Love Central not only celebrates the art of handwriting but also recognizes the profound impact of love letters, for they embody the essence of heartfelt communication, especially in relationships.
Love letters: The power of the written word
A love letter is simply an expression of love in written form. The letter may be anything from a short and simple message of love to a lengthy explanation and description of feelings.
The charm and personal touch that handwritten words bring to romantic relationships can be likened to a beautifully crafted piece of art, infused with the essence of the sender’s emotions and thoughtfulness.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, the experience of receiving handwritten letters births a connection that goes beyond the boundaries of mere text on a screen.
Taking a more curious look at the art, we will focus on oxytocin and how the release of this horomone during the tender act of receiving or writing a love letter amplifies the potency of the emotional connection.
Oxytocin as a benefit of love letters in relationships
Oxytocin is a hormone that acts on organs in the body and as a chemical messenger in the brain, promoting positive feelings. Sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical”, oxytocin levels also increase when you’re hugging someone and when you’re experiencing an orgasm or in this case, reading a love letter from your significant other.
Love letters possess a remarkable ability to trigger the release of oxytocin creating emotional effects that deepen the connection between individuals.
When someone receives a heartfelt love letter, their brain responds by releasing oxytocin, which generates feelings of warmth, trust, and affection.
This surge of oxytocin enhances emotional empathy, making the recipient more attuned to the emotions and intentions conveyed within the letter. The tactile nature of holding a love letter, feeling the texture of the paper, and seeing the words written by the sender further heightens the sensory experience, releasing more oxytocin.
Oxytocin plays a crucial role in creating and deepening emotional bonds between individuals. This hormone is also known to enhance emotional empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
These, among many other health benefits, are why writing a love letter to your significant other can brighten things up in your relationship.
Mixing Handwritten Love Letters with Digital Messages
While digital messages offer real-time communication and quick exchanges, we cannot ignore the timeless charm of a handwritten letter which technology cannot replicate.
The experience of pen on paper, the anticipation of receiving a physical letter (which is sometimes perfumed), and the effort invested in crafting a message creates a depth of emotional connection that resonates profoundly.
Conclusion: Write a love letter to your partner today
In the whirlwind of today’s tech-driven world, it’s important to pause and embrace the meaningfulness of personal, handwritten gestures.
While technology offers convenience and efficiency, it’s the human touch that truly fuels our emotional bonds. So, amidst the flurry of texts and emails, take the time to pen a love letter, a thoughtful note, or a heartfelt card.
So, what are you waiting for? Bring out that pen and paper, and write a love letter to your partner. These tangible expressions of affection become cherished memories, resonating long after the notifications fade!
