The skill, or perhaps art, of how to write romantic love letters is at risk of falling by the wayside. In our high tech world, many people choose to communicate electronically, and while we do still take the time to write romantic emails, these may not last as long thanks to computer crashes and hard-disk restores.

Historians are ever grateful that in times gone by it was common practice to write love letters to the object of ones affection. This is how we have learned much about the day to day life of real people in the past, as love notes are often a cherished possession, kept for years, even perhaps after the love is gone, the letters remain.

When you begin to write love letters, it is good to keep in mind that you should use good quality paper and envelops, and a pen that will not fade or smudge. Remember that your letters should stand up to being folded, unfolded and reread throughout the years.

Of course, there is still value in a spontaneous note scribbled on some scrap paper or the back of the napkin. Although these proclamations of love may not be as permanent, they still express great joy in the moment, and your beloved will know you thought about them even then, when all you had was a napkin. Another "classic" method, if it suits your style, is lipstick on the mirror.

It is important to take your time as you write love letters. The amount of time you take is as important a part of the gift as the sentiment contained therein. You should be specific, mentioning things that your significant other may not realize you have noticed, perhaps the way they hold a cup, or touch their hair. Think over each sentence before you put it down on paper.

If you are lucky enough to receive love letters, keep them, and keep them safe. If the love doesn't last, keep the letters tucked away somewhere none the less. Twenty years from now they are nice to look at with a healed heart.

A well written love letter will be kept for years, decades or more, passed on as family heirlooms. More importantly, they will bring joy to your love right now, and in todays ever faster moving world, a love letter is an unexpected gift.

People used to write love letters often in the past, which helped historians learn about life in the earlier times. To write romantic love letters is a skill that is at risk of vanishing in today's technological world, though one can write romantic emails. Even a spontaneous message scribbled on a note or written with lipstick on the mirror does convey your feelings to your beloved. If the traditional method is followed, good quality paper and ink will help your love letters survive being reread for many years. A good love letter should express your sentiments and appreciation of the little things your partner does that your find attractive.