Famous handwritten love letters

When is the last time you penned a sweet note to your special someone? There’s nothing quite as romantic as a handwritten love letter, and that’s a universally acknowledged truth that has existed throughout the ages. Remember, you don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day to send a thoughtful message. You can easily turn birthday cards into loving messages, or draft just-because note on your personalized stationery to show how much you care. Need some inspiration? Check out some of these famous love letters:

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
This sweet pair has made history with their love. In fact, the rock n’ roll couple was the focus of the hit 2005 film “Walk the Line,” which centered around their long courtship. There’s a reason Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash are the ideal love story – they were head over heels for each other, and it showed through their love letters. Though there are plenty of romantic notes that have gone public, there’s one that especially showcases just how loving their relationship was: Johnny’s birthday note to June in 1994.

He opened by greeting his 65-year-old wife as “Princess,” and went on to say, “I meditate on it and realize how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met.”

Johnny’s adoring messages didn’t just win the heart of June. Women everywhere swooned over this guy, making him a heartthrob legend.

John Keats and Fanny Brawne
A letter penned by one of the most well-known writers of all time would undoubtedly woo any woman, and John Keat’s charm certainly worked on Fanny Brawne, Keat’s neighbor. According to the Harvard College Library, their love inspired some of his most famous works including, “The Eve of St. Agnes” and “Bright Star.”

His love letters were as brilliant as his published works. In one well-known letter, he tells Fanny “I cannot exist without you.” Now that’s true love.

Napoleon and Josephine
Apparently, 1796 was a tough year for the marriage of Napoleon Bonaparte and his newly betrothed Josephine. Shortly after their marriage, Bonaparte was sent away to command the French army near Italy, according to PBS. Their distance proved a real struggle for their relationship.

Earlier letters from Napoleon began with how much he loved and missed Josephine during their separation, but his notes quickly turned to pleas for replies. He began to get jealous and angry. After not receiving as many letters as he’d hoped from his bride, Napoleon sent a nasty message to Josephine. “I love you no longer; on the contrary, I detest you.”

While you may opt out of including such harsh words in your love letter, it’s a nice reminder of how important they are to some people!

These famous star-crossed lovers have proven that nothing says “I love you” as much as a handwritten note. Take advantage of your next greeting card opportunity by penning a thoughtful message of your own.