Contacting people nowadays is simple, we can text, email, Facetime, use social media and call (of course). It's very easy to forget the art of sending a letter and just how exciting it is to receive a hand-written letter from someone who you are mad about. Can you remember the last time you received a letter? When you were at school? Last week? Never? Who even gets love letters anymore? And perhaps most importantly, have you ever written one yourself?

A love letter can be far more special than you realise. Someone has taken the time to tell you how they feel, speak of memories and hopes for the future. It's a way of spilling out your heart onto paper (remember that stuff?), reminiscing about your first date, first kiss, the first time you said, 'I love you'… or maybe this is the golden opportunity to tell them!

Whatever your scenario, we have some handy hints to help you get the ball-point rolling…

Choice of Paper:

When it comes to paper there is a whole world of choice! You could go with lined note paper, like your old school book, re-living those days of ripping out the pages of your school books to write secret messages to each other. However, this has the potential to make it look as though no effort has gone into it, so maybe consider some beautiful ivory parchment paper; this is certainly the choice if you want the classic, more traditional love letter. You could also try something a bit more modern and pick some coloured paper, nothing too garish but a nice pastel pink or peach would be a great choice How about spritzing some of your favourite scent on the paper too! The receiver will instantly recognise the fragrance as you… and the smell will last for ages!

What to Write With:

So, what are you going to write with? You might need to test a couple of options as, depending on the paper you are using, you might get some smudges or bleeds into the paper; although this is authentic, it may not be quite the look you are going for. A classic Biro isn't a bad choice; if you are going to use one, then we suggest black ink and not blue. How about a classic fountain pen? There is nothing like a love letter written in proper ink. It brings thoughts of Jane Austen characters, traditional romance, ripping bodices and Mr. Darcy coming out of that lake!! It also shows that you have put a lot of thought into your letter, and will make you feel like you are making a real effort when you pick up that pen. There's nothing quite like writing with a metal nib, and you will wonder why you don't do it more often! Practice on a scrap of paper before you write your main letter and remember that Indian ink takes a little while to dry.

Putting the Love in Your Letter:

What about the message itself? Are you going to make it funny, passionate, romantic, sentimental or all these rolled into one great big bundle of inky love? For sentimental ideas, try to think back how and when you first met, how you were feeling and your first date if you had one. Was your heart beating fast? Did you feel sick with nerves? Did you sleep all night or were you up until sunrise trying to figure out what to wear! These silly little details may mean nothing at all to you, but will spark off wonderful emotions for the reader and you may find out that they were doing the same! What about your first kiss together? Was it sweet and soft, passionate, did you clonk noses or perhaps it was a drunken stumble in the dark. "Remember our first kiss? We couldn't stop laughing when we bashed foreheads, but the end result was worth the bruises!"

Don't be afraid to fill your love letter with feelings and emotions (positive ones mind you!) that you don't often get a chance to let out. This is your chance to say all those wonderful things that you keep wanting to say, but can't find the courage or right time. Have you shared a special or funny moment together? Holidays, cars breaking down, restaurant mishaps and funny conversations are a great way to add a giggle to your special message. Try not to use words like 'snog', 'bladdered', or swear words. Keep it full of nice phrases even if you get a little raunchy. Jackie Collins and Jilly Cooper could still raise eyebrows without getting over explicit with ugly words. Think Emanuelle not Desperate British Housewives…

It's Now or Never:

As well as reminiscing, don't forget to say how you are feeling NOW. "I never thought I could love someone so much and every single day I wake up feeling like it is Christmas morning with you by my side. A stunningly beautiful woman I couldn't imagine living without." Talk about your dreams and aspirations for your future together. Are you getting married or engaged? Planning a baby? Have they recently done something amazing and unexpected? Acknowledge their achievements, caring nature, good looks or personality and make your partner feel on top of the world.

Can you imagine receiving a love letter from your boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, wife or husband, filled with all those wonderful emotions that seem to have been locked up all these months or years? Who needs a ton of gifts, when you can get an extraordinary letter in exchange for your love and devotion. You may think diamonds are a girl's best friend, but words are an echo of your heart and will mean more to her than gold.