Author: Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Source: The Independent

Old-School Romance Hits a High Note in a Digital World

Hey there, fellow love note enthusiasts! Picture this: Jane Austen, Henry VIII, and even the Kray twins’ dad, all writing letters that could melt hearts (or cause royal executions). These aren’t just love notes; they’re the OG texts, handwritten and dripping with emotion — now starring in the “Love Letters” exhibition at the National Archives.

Why Write When You Can Text?

In a world where our thumbs are glued to screens (hello, 300 WhatsApp messages a day), why even bother with pen and paper? Well, turns out people are craving a little analog magic. Calligraphy tutorials on TikTok are popping off, Pinterest searches for cute stamps have doubled, and pen pal clubs are making a comeback faster than you can say “envelope, please!” (Did you know that over half of UK adults sent at least one letter last year? Spoiler: young people want moooore.)

“A letter feels like it’s got more thought and time behind it than our digital interactions.” — Victoria Iglikowski-Broad, Love Letters curator

Love, Loss, and a Dash of Drama

From Oscar Wilde’s heartbreak to Henry VIII’s risky romance with Catherine Howard, these letters show love in all its beautifully messy forms. Some plea for freedom, others confess secret affairs, and a few even fight for dignity in tough times. But here’s the kicker — the emotions are timeless. Whether it’s a 500-year-old letter or last week’s text break-up, the core feelings are the same.

Letters as Mental Health Boosters

During lockdown, many Brits found hand-addressed envelopes like little rays of sunshine. Writing letters helped people process emotions and feel connected when everything was turned upside down. Turns out, penning gratitude or self-kindness notes can actually reduce anxiety and lift happiness. So, yes, your scribbly love note might just be a tiny superpower.

Will Letters Survive the Digital Age?

Denmark might have bid farewell to its postal service, but here in the UK, letter-writing is having a renaissance. Events like Letters Live, featuring the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch reading letters from David Bowie and Charlotte Brontë, prove that old-school correspondence still rocks. According to “Love Letters” curator Victoria Iglikowski-Broad, letters aren’t disappearing — they’re just getting a new lease on life, complete with cute stamps and heartfelt sentiments.

So, next time you want to say “I love you,” maybe ditch the emoji and grab a pen instead. After all, a letter is not just words on paper — it’s a little time capsule of your heart.

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