How to Harvest Rosemary

Rosemary is a very robust herb that is easy to grow and care for at home. The fragrant leaves of the rosemary bush smell and taste wonderful in all kinds of recipes. Rosemary is even used to create hair treatments with lots of beneficial properties for your hair and scalp. It’s very simple to harvest rosemary and use it fresh, or store it for later use in things like cooking!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cutting Rosemary

1. Wait until spring or summer to harvest rosemary. Rosemary grows most actively during the spring and summer, so this is the best time to harvest, as the sprigs you cut off will grow back more rapidly. Trim some of the plant off daily or weekly to encourage its growth.^[1]
   
   • If you are planning on drying the rosemary, wait until the bush begins to bloom to harvest. This is when the leaves contain the most oil and flavor.
2. Select which branches of the rosemary to harvest. Look for branches that are at least 8 inches (20 cm) long. Don’t harvest from newly growing branches.^[2]
   
   • Keep several plants at once to ensure you always have some mature branches from which to harvest. The number of plants you’ll need varies on their size, but 2-3 should be fine for most people.
   • Remove any dead and dried up parts of the plant as you harvest the healthy parts.^[3]
3. Cut off the top 2 inches (5 cm) of each sprig with shears or scissors. Don’t cut the plant too close and be sure to leave some green leaves on each branch. Put the clipped rosemary sprigs in a basket or bowl.
   
   • If you just want to use a small amount of fresh rosemary at a time, you can pick off a few of the leaves whenever you need it from the top parts of the sprigs.^[4]
   • Don’t cut more rosemary than you need at once.
4. Don’t harvest more than 1/4 of a rosemary bush at one time. Leave at least 3/4 of the plant to ensure that it will continue to thrive and produce new sprigs. Let the rosemary plant grow back before you harvest more of it.^[5]
   
   • Even if you are not harvesting it to use, you should prune rosemary several times a year to encourage healthy growth.^[6]
   • Remember not to harvest rosemary too close to winter because it will not grow back very fast. Perform your last harvest at least 2 weeks before the first frost so it has time to grow back before winter sets in. Bigger, fuller rosemary bushes are able to survive winter better.

[Edit]Storing Rosemary

1. Hang bundles of fresh rosemary to dry for 10 days. Tie together evenly sized sprigs of rosemary and hang them to dry in a dark, well-ventilated, and dry area. Take down the rosemary when it is completely dry, after about 10 days, and strip off the leaves to store them.
   
   • Store the dried rosemary leaves in airtight containers or jars in your cupboards or pantry.
   • Use twine or rubber bands to hold the bundles of rosemary together.
   • Dried rosemary will last forever, but it has the best flavor within a year.
2. Store fresh rosemary in airtight containers or bags in the fridge or freezer. Wash the rosemary sprigs, then let them air dry on a clean towel or paper towel. Strip off the leaves, place them into a Ziploc bag or Tupperware, and put them in the fridge or freezer.^[7]
   
   • Storing rosemary in the fridge or freezer will retain more of the flavor than dried rosemary, but less than fresh rosemary.
   • Rosemary stored in the freezer will last longer than in the fridge, but the rosemary in the fridge will have a stronger flavor. Use rosemary that you keep in the fridge within 1-2 weeks for best results.
3. Freeze rosemary in an ice cube tray. Strip off the leaves of your harvested rosemary sprigs and freeze them in water or olive oil in an ice cube tray. Use these cubes in sauces or soups to easily get a fresh rosemary taste in your recipes.^[8]
   
   • The amount of leaves you freeze per cube is up to you. Check how much rosemary a common recipe you might make requires, and freeze that amount in one cube.
   • Once the rosemary is frozen, you can empty the ice cube tray and store the cubes in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the freezer.
   • Choose water or olive oil depending on what types of recipes you plan to use the ice cubes in. If you don’t know, then you can do some of each.
   • Rosemary stored in the freezer will last indefinitely. If it starts to noticeably lose its flavor, then make a new batch.
4. Put fresh rosemary in a bottle of vinegar or olive oil. Wash and air dry freshly harvested rosemary sprigs and place them directly into a bottle of vinegar, like white or balsamic, or olive oil to create a flavorful infusion. Use rosemary oil or vinegar in recipes, or combine them in a dish to create a dipping sauce for bread.
   
   • Add other ingredients to the oil or vinegar infusions such as fresh garlic, peppercorns, or chili peppers for more flavor!
   • Rosemary oil or vinegar will last as long as the rosemary stays covered by the oil or vinegar. If it becomes exposed to the air it can develop mold.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Homemade dried rosemary is best used within a year of production.

[Edit]Warnings

• Be careful to follow safety guidelines if you're making an oil infusion. If you don't properly refrigerate a homemade oil with garlic in it, there may be a risk of botulism.^[9]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Scissors or shears
• Twine or rubber bands
• Bowl or basket
• Airtight containers or plastic bags

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Rosemary Castile Shampoo
• Preserve Herbs

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.gardenmandy.com/how-to-harvest-rosemary/
2. ↑ https://www.gardenmandy.com/how-to-harvest-rosemary/
3. ↑ [v160960_b01]. 20 March 2019.
4. ↑ https://veggieharvest.com/herbs/rosemary.html
5. ↑ https://www.backyard-vegetable-gardening.com/harvesting-rosemary.html
6. ↑ https://veggieharvest.com/herbs/rosemary.html
7. ↑ https://veggieharvest.com/herbs/rosemary.html
8. ↑ https://www.gardenmandy.com/how-to-harvest-rosemary/
9. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/stinking_facts_about_garlic

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How to Get a Still Image from a Video on iPhone or iPad

Learn two easy ways to capture a single image from any video

Do you need to save a still image from a video on your iPhone or iPad? You can get a still image from any video by taking a screenshot of the video playback on your iOS device. You can also use the third-party app, Frame Grabber, to get images from videos in your Camera Roll. This wikiHow will show you how to get a still image from videos on your iPhone or iPad.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Open a video and pause on the frame you want to capture. Press your device's Power button and Volume up button at the same time to take a screenshot.
• If your device has a Home button, press the Power button and Home button to take a screenshot.
• When using Frame Grabber, select the video from your Camera Roll. Drag the white bar to find the frame, then tap the checkmark icon.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Taking a Screenshot

1. Start playing a video. You can play any video. You can play a video from YouTube or another internet video, or you can play a video saved on your device.^[1]
   
   • To view a video recorded on iPhone or iPad, opening the Photos app. This looks like a multi-colored flower. You can browse by album or scroll down and tap Videos underneath Media Types to quickly browse your saved videos.
   • Some videos may have DMR copyright protection such as videos on iTunes or Apple TV. This can prevent your from taking a screenshot of the video.
2. Tap the center of the video. This displays the playback controls for the video.
   
3. Tap to pause the video. You can pause the video by tapping the icon with two vertical lines to pause the video.
   
   • For most video websites, this will be located in the center of the screen.
   • For videos from your Camera Roll, the pause icon is located at the bottom of the screen. You may need to tap the screen to see the button.
4. Drag the playhead to the frame you want to capture. The playhead is the line, bar, or dot at the bottom of the screen that indicates where the video is in the playback. Tap and drag the playhead left and right in the bar at the bottom of the screen to scrub the video. Stop on the frame you want to capture.
   
5. Wait for the playback controls to disappear. On YouTube and most video playback apps, the playback controls will disappear after you wait for a few seconds.
   
6. Take a screenshot. You can take a screenshot on your iPhone or iPad using the following steps, depending on the model of your iPhone or iPad. Your iPhone or iPad screen will flash white and you will hear the sound of a camera click. Use the following steps to take a screenshot on your iPhone or iPad:^[2]
   
   • If your device does not have a home button: Press the Power button on the right and the Volume up button on the left at the same time.
   • If your device has a home button: Press the Power button on the right and the home button below your screen at the same time.^[3]
   • For iPad Pro (3rd generation and newer): Press the Power button on the top and either the Volume up or down button on the right at the same time. This is how you can take a screenshot on an iPad.^[4]
7. Locate the screenshot. You can find the screenshots within the Photo app.
   
   • Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap Albums, then Screenshots underneath Media Type.
   • Tap an image to view it. You can transfer the photos, send them to your computer, or edit your screenshots.

[Edit]Using Frame Grabber

1. Download the Fame Grabber app on your iPhone or iPad. Search for Fame Grabber in App Store and tap GET to download the app.^[5]
   
   • The Fame Grabber app looks like a purple film strip with a white background.
2. Open the Frame Grabber app. After Frame Grabber finishes downloading, you can download Frame Grabber by tapping OPEN next to Frame Grabber in the App Store, or by tapping the Frame Grabber icon on your home screen.
   
   • The first time you open Frame Grabber, you will be asked if you want to allow Frame Grabber to have access to your videos. Tap the blue button that says Allow Access and then tap Ok in the alert to continue.
   • You can also tap Select Photos to choose which videos Frame Grabber can access.
3. Tap a video. When you open Frame Grabber, it displays a list of all the videos in your camera roll. Tap the video you want to get a still frame from.
   
   • If the video needs to download from iCloud, allow a few minutes for it to download.
4. Drag the white bar at the bottom to the frame you want to capture. The white bar at the bottom of the video represents the entire length of the video. Drag the white bar across the blue line in the center to scrub through the video. Stop on the frame you want to capture.^[6]
   
   • Press the triangle 'Play' button at the bottom of the screen to play the video.
   • You can click the left and right arrow to navigate between frames.
5. Tap the Share icon. This will be at the bottom-right corner. A new window will pop up.
   
6. Tap an option. There are several options you can do with an image you take from a video. You can save it to your Camera Roll or Files folder. You can copy it and paste it in a message or email. You can also import it into another app. Tap one of the following options:
   
   • Tap an app: Tap one of the apps icons at the top of the menu to open the image in an app. You can open the image in AirDrop, Messages, Mail, Gmail, DropBox, and more.
   • Copy: This copies the image to your clipboard. You can then paste the image in a message or email by tapping a text field that allows images and then tapping Paste in the pop-up menu.
   • Print: This prints the image. You must have a printer on your network to print images.
   • Save to Dropbox: This saves the image to your Dropbox. You must have the Dropbox app on your iPhone or iPad to save files to your Dropbox.
   • Save Image: This saves this image to your camera roll.
   • Add to Shared Album: This saves the image to a shared album in your iCloud.
   • Save to Files: This saves the image to your "Files" folder.
   • Import to [app name]. This allows you to import the image into another app, such as PS Express.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/play-videos-and-slideshows-iphd01c01cb0/ios
2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/take-a-screenshot-or-screen-recording-ipad08a40f3b/ipados
3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210781
4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210781
5. ↑ https://apps.apple.com/us/app/frame-grabber/id1434703541
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/nkkSB8EuoM4?t=60

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How to Grow Potatoes from Potatoes

The only thing better than one potato is two! Potatoes are tasty, multifunctional, and relatively easy to grow. All you have to do is plant a seeding potato in a sunny patch in your yard or in a large pot on your back deck and wait roughly five months for the potatoes to mature. Once they’ve grown, dig up, eat up, and enjoy!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Growing Potatoes in Your Yard

1. Choose a spot in your yard with lots of sun. Potatoes grow best with 8 hours of sunlight a day, but they don’t do well with too much heat. Pick a spot in your garden where the plants will be exposed to sunlight but not baking in the heat. They prefer summer temperatures of roughly , but can handle slightly hotter temps, as long as they’re not exposed to direct sunlight for more than 6-8 hours a day. Plant in late spring for ideal conditions.
   
   • Expert gardeners recommend planting potatoes around the time of last expected frost, but that time can vary based on where you live.
2. Buy seed potatoes from a garden supply store. The best way to grow potatoes is from potatoes, but not just any potato will do: they have to be specially-grown seed potatoes from a garden supply store.^[1] Regular potatoes from a grocery store are often treated with pesticides which can spread disease through your whole crop, so either order your seeding potatoes from a catalog or hit the garden store.^[2]
   
   • Seed potatoes come in every variation—russet, Yukon, fingerling, you name it. Your garden supply store will have options for you to choose from, and they can order you any type of potato they don’t already have in the store.
3. Allow sprouts to grow for 1 week before planting. Unlike most grocery store potatoes, seed potatoes grow little protuberances called sprouts. These sprouts, once planted, form the buds of new potato plants—they are essential to the growing process! Place your seed potatoes in any warm, dry spot (a bowl on your kitchen counter where the sun shines will do) and leave them for a week.^[3]
   
   • One week is ample time for your sprouts to grow between and in length. That means they’re almost ready to be planted.
4. Cut the potatoes into sections. Tiny potatoes are fine to be planted whole, but any spud larger than a golf ball should be cut into chunks about wide, each with at least two sprouts.^[4] Usually just cutting the potatoes in half “hamburger-style” will do. Return the cut potatoes to the warm spot where they’ve been sitting for the past week, and leave them an additional 2-3 days before planting.^[5]
   
5. Prep the plant site with fertilizer. Using a garden fork, rake compost into your chosen plant-site. Potatoes prefer loose, loamy soil, so work out any clumps until the dirt is airy and breathable. Make sure your fertilizer is covered by at least 2 inches of soil or it could damage your potato roots.^[6]
   
   • If you don’t have compost, buy a balanced commercial fertilizer, superphosphate, or bonemeal, all available at the garden supply store.
6. Plant the potatoes in holes apart. Place your halved potatoes cut-side down in -deep holes with the eye, or sprout, pointing up toward the sun. Cover with soil and water well.^[7]
   
   • You should generally provide your potatoes with of water per week, including rainfall. They prefer their soil moist, but not waterlogged.^[8]
7. Hill the potatoes after five weeks. To “hill” your potatoes, pile soil up around the stems to create a incline on either side. This will force new potatoes to grow above previously-planted ones.^[9] You can cover the entire plant with soil, or choose to leave the leaves exposed (this may be helpful later, as their changing color can signal the potatoes’ growth).^[10]
   
   • Continue hilling about once a week: it will protect baby potatoes from being exposed to direct sunlight.
8. Harvest your potatoes after 70-100 days. Somewhere around five months after their plant-date, your potatoes will begin to show signs that they’ve matured. The leaves will turn yellow and the foliage will die back, meaning it’s almost time to harvest them. Leave them in the soil an additional 2-3 weeks, then dig them up with a pitchfork and gather them with your hands.^[11]
   
   • Many species of potatoes will grow into tubers large enough to eat after 10 weeks, but leaving them in the ground longer will yield the largest crop.

[Edit]Planting Potatoes in a Pot

1. Fill 1/3 of a large, deep pot with potting soil. The bigger the pot, the better (potatoes need lots of room to grow), but at a minimum it should be for 4-6 seed potatoes. If you plan to grow more than 6 seed potatoes, go for a barrel-sized pot.^[12]
   
   • Your pot will also need to contain a sizable drainage hole. Black reusable plastic pots from the garden store work well for growing potatoes, as the black color holds in warmth and the bottoms have built-in drainage.
2. Plant seed potatoes apart with sprouts face up. Your potatoes should not be touching each other or the edge of the pot or their growth will be stunted. Once planted, cover them with of potting soil. Water until the liquid begins to drain from the bottom. Leave the pot in a sunny, temperate spot on your front or back deck, where it will be exposed to 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.^[13]
   
   • Don’t overcrowd the pot: is the minimum amount of space in which your potato can still grow.
3. Water your potatoes whenever the top of soil become dry. The dryness of the soil will depend on the weather where you live, so test if it’s time to water by sticking one finger into the top of the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water again. Keep going until water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot.^[14]
   
   • If you live in a hotter climate, your soil will get drier quicker and will need to be watered more often. Check twice a day.
4. Add potting soil as your potato sprouts shoot out of the soil. Only about 1 inch of the sprout should be exposed at any point in the growing process, so continue to add soil periodically. Mix your soil with fertilizer (a 5-10-10 commercial mixture from the garden store will do) for healthy, fast-growing plants.
   
5. Harvest your potatoes when their leaves turn yellow. After 18-20 weeks your potted potatoes will reach maturity. Dig them out of the pot by hand or dump it out and root through the soil to harvest your tubers.^[15]
   
   • Check the skin of each potato for white, mushy spots—these could signify fungus, in which case the potatoes are not safe to eat. They should be uniform in color with tight, firm skins.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ Clark Hill. Plant Specialist & VP of Operations, Platt Hill Nursery.
2. ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/how-to-grow-potatoes
3. ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/how-to-grow-potatoes
4. ↑ Clark Hill. Plant Specialist & VP of Operations, Platt Hill Nursery.
5. ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/how-to-grow-potatoes
6. ↑ https://garden.org/learn/articles/view/565/Fertilizing-Potatoes/
7. ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/how-to-grow-potatoes
8. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/12533594/how-often-should-you-water-potato-plants
9. ↑ Clark Hill. Plant Specialist & VP of Operations, Platt Hill Nursery.
10. ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/how-to-grow-potatoes
11. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/vegetables/is-it-true-that-you-can-grow-a-potato-plant-from-a-regular-potato/
12. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/vegetables/is-it-true-that-you-can-grow-a-potato-plant-from-a-regular-potato/
13. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/vegetables/is-it-true-that-you-can-grow-a-potato-plant-from-a-regular-potato/
14. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/vegetables/is-it-true-that-you-can-grow-a-potato-plant-from-a-regular-potato/
15. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/vegetables/is-it-true-that-you-can-grow-a-potato-plant-from-a-regular-potato/

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How to Be Single and Happy in Your 30s

When you’re not in a relationship, it can feel like everyone you know has partnered up, especially as you hit your 30s. Being single isn’t a bad thing, though—in fact, it comes with a lot of perks! You get to experience freedom at a time in your life when you know what you want. On top of that, you can focus on yourself and pursue the things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for! It’s totally possible to appreciate the single life for what it is.

Here are 10 tips to help you embrace being single in your 30s.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Enjoy your freedom.

1. You can stay out as late as you want without checking in. If you want to take the day off and head to the beach, you can! People who aren’t single have another person’s schedule to worry about, but you can do whatever you want whenever you want. Enjoy it!^[1]
   
   • It’s always good to tell at least one person where you’re going, especially if you’re alone. Shoot your mom or a close friend a text before you head out into the woods for the weekend, just to be safe.

[Edit]Appreciate your living space.

1. It can be as clean or as messy as you want it to be. If you hate dishes stacked in the sink, take it upon yourself to clean them early. Or, if you don’t mind a bit of clutter, leave the house a bit messier. It’s up to you to decide how you decorate and exist in your space.^[2]
   
   • Plus, when you’re single, you can probably get a smaller place (and a smaller place means less cleaning for you!).

[Edit]Date yourself.

1. Treat yourself to dinners and fun adventures. If there’s a new restaurant you’ve been dying to try out, go for it! If you want to see a new movie, head to the theater and do it! You can do anything you want on your own time.^[3]
   
   • Another benefit to being single is that you don’t have to compromise with anyone. If you don’t want tacos, then you don’t have to get them. If you prefer action movies, you never have to watch a chick flick.

[Edit]Dive into your career.

1. Focus on propelling yourself forward into new opportunities. You don’t have to be a workaholic, but you can take advantage of the fact that no one’s going to be mad if you get home late. Attend seminars, take extra classes, and work your way up in your field to get fulfillment out of your job.^[4]
   
   • If you don’t like the career you’re in now, change it! It’s never too late to go back to school or take some vocational classes to switch your field.

[Edit]Take time to travel.

1. Spend your money on fun trips and excursions.^[5] If you’ve always wanted to go abroad but you’ve never been, book a flight! You can invite a few friends with you or simply go on your own. When you travel alone, you can do anything whenever you want on your own schedule.^[6]
   
   • If heading overseas sounds a little daunting, try taking a road trip instead.

[Edit]Explore a new hobby.

1. What’s something you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe you could dip your toe into doing roller derby or softball. Or, you could buy a drone and practice flying it around the park. Use your free time to learn a new skill or try something fun that you haven’t had a chance to.^[7]
   
   • Try joining a club or a hobby group to meet other people who share your similar interests.

[Edit]Give back to your community.

1. Volunteer at an animal shelter or a local hospital. Use your free time to give back to the members in your community who may be less fortunate. Volunteering can help you feel fulfilled and even make you happier in your daily life.^[8]
   
   • If you have the space, you could even foster a pet until they find their forever home.

[Edit]Strengthen your friendships.

1. You don’t need to be in a relationship to have strong connections. Focus on bonding with the friends you already have and making new friends to feel fulfilled. Go out to dinner, have a fun weekend with friends, and work on fostering strong relationships with people that you love.^[9]
   
   • Focusing on your friendships can help distract you from the desire to have a partner. If you hang out with cool people that you love, you’re less likely to feel lonely.
   • If you don’t have kids yet but your friends do, see if you can babysit for them. It will be a good way to spend some time with children if you don’t have any of your own.

[Edit]Get some quality sleep.

1. Studies show that single people sleep better than those in relationships. Invest in a nice, comfy bed with as many or as few pillows as you want. You can lie sideways, diagonal, or even straight down the middle! Take advantage of sleeping on your own by appreciating it while you have it.^[10]
   
   • Another perk of being single: you can go to bed whenever you want! No more fighting about going to sleep too early or sleeping in too late.

[Edit]Stay physically active.

1. It will keep you happier and healthier.^[11] Research shows that single people tend to be in better shape than their married counterparts. Use your free time to hit the gym, go for a jog, or swim some laps. Your body will thank you!^[12]
   
   • Try joining a hiking group to get some exercise out in nature.

[Edit]Tips

• Don’t feel pressured by anyone else around you. There’s no rush to get into a relationship, especially if you’re happy on your own.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-single/201901/the-single-life-may-get-even-better-age
2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/not-born-yesterday/201308/whats-so-good-about-being-single
3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-be-ok-with-being-single/
4. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/news/a43578/why-its-okay-single-in-your-30s/
5. ↑ [v161440_b01]. 27 October 2021.
6. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/07/style/modern-love-when-marriage-is-just-another-overhyped-nightclub.html
7. ↑ [v161440_b01]. 27 October 2021.
8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-be-ok-with-being-single/
9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/not-born-yesterday/201308/whats-so-good-about-being-single
10. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/news/a43578/why-its-okay-single-in-your-30s/
11. ↑ [v161440_b01]. 27 October 2021.
12. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/not-born-yesterday/201308/whats-so-good-about-being-single

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How to Start a Love Letter

Ah, love. You’re head-over-heels for someone, and you’re ready to tell them exactly how you feel. Whether your love is a crush, a long-term partner, or someone in between, a love letter is the perfect way to sweep them off their feet.

Here are 12 tips to help you get started writing a love letter that really captures how you feel.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Examples to Start a Love Letter

Examples to Start a Love Letter

Examples to Start a Love Letter

[Edit]Use beautiful stationery for a romantic touch.^[1]

1. You can use any paper to write a love letter, but nice stationery will make your letter look extra special. Choose stationery that reflects your style or that makes you think of your love. For instance, you might choose paper or a card that's your favorite color or that features symbols of love, like hearts or flowers.
   
   • You can find stationery at department stores, stationery stores, office supply stores, bookstores, and online.

[Edit]Decorate the letter with a drawing to add a personal touch.^[2]

1. Make your letter extra special by doodling along the border. You could also create a drawing on the paper first, and then write your letter around it. Don't worry about your drawing being perfect. Just create something you think will impress your love.
   
   • If you're not good at drawing, try gluing flower petals, photos of you and your love, or keepsake scraps, such as old movie tickets or handwritten notes, to the letter.

[Edit]Write their first name in the greeting so it's personal.^[3]

1. Your letter is personal, so refer to the person you love by name. Use a simple salutation, such as “Dear,” “For,” and “To.” Then, include their name or preferred nickname.
   
   • You might write, “Dear Alexander,” “For Alex,” or “To A.”

[Edit]Include a term of endearment in the greeting for added romance.^[4]

1. Show your personal connection to the recipient by calling them a special name. Be as mushy as your partner likes. Use a pet nickname you already call them for an easy option. Alternatively, try a flowery term of endearment to create a romantic love letter vibe.
   
   • You might use a greeting like, “Dear Beloved,” “To my heart,” “Oh, my darling,” or “Mi Amor.”

[Edit]Tailor your letter to fit the recipient’s personality.^[5]

1. Consider what your recipient likes and enjoys when you’re crafting your letter. For instance, decide if they like things that are more sentimental or more humorous. Write your letter with them in mind so it feels more personal to them.
   
   • Let’s say your love is very sentimental. You might focus on memories with them and take a serious tone. You could write things like, “As I watched you on the beach yesterday, all I could think about is how lucky I am. You’ve changed my life for the better, and I’ll be forever grateful.”
   • If your love is more lighthearted and funny, you might try a fun, upbeat tone and recount funny moments together or inside jokes. You could write, “I still remember that time we ate pizza off the floor because we were too lazy to make another one. You compl-eat me.”

[Edit]Explain why you’re writing the letter for an easy opening.^[6]

1. Writing those first few lines is hard, so don’t sweat it if you’re having trouble. One easy way to begin your letter is to give a reason why you’re writing it. In a sentence or 2, tell your recipient what made you decide to write a love letter today.
   
   • Say, “I’ve been thinking about you a lot today, and I wanted to tell you how I feel,” “Ever since the night we first met, I just can’t stop thinking about you,” or “I know you’re the one for me, and it’s time I told you that.”

[Edit]Recount a memory if you’ve been with the person for a while.^[7]

1. Instead of telling a long-term partner why you’re writing them, you might just describe a special memory you had with them.^[8] It might be the first time you met, the moment you knew you were in love, or a time you felt really close to them. Or, it might be a very simple moment that really touched your heart, but you never told them about.^[9] Summarize your memory in 2-3 sentences to start off your letter.
   
   • You could write something like, “On the night of our first anniversary, you surprised me with a candlelit dinner you made yourself. Enjoying your handmade meal made me feel more loved than any fancy restaurant ever could. In that moment, I knew no one ever loved me like you do.”

[Edit]Start with a quote if you’re struggling with what to write.^[10]

1. Expressing how you feel is super hard, so don’t worry if you can’t think of anything to say. Once you start writing, it’ll likely be easier to share your feelings. To get your letter going, try using a quote about love that makes you think of your partner. Here are some great options you might consider using:
   
   • “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” - John Green
   • “One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” - Sophocles
   • “When you love someone, you love the whole person, just as he or she is, and not as you would like them to be.” - Leo Tolstoy
   • “You can’t blame gravity for falling in love.” - Albert Einstein
   • “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” - Aristotle

[Edit]Give specific details so your love letter is more meaningful.^[11]

1. Don’t just list vague adjectives to describe your loved one or general things that could apply to anyone. Describe their qualities that make them special to you and touch your heart; it can be tender, cute, or even quirky things about them.^[12] Provide details and specific moments so your letter is more personal. This will make your recipient feel extra special.
   
   • For instance, you might be tempted to write things like, “You’re amazing, smart, beautiful, and fun to be around.” These things are nice, but they’re pretty generic. Instead, you could write, “I’ve never met someone who can bake as well as you do,” “You tell the wittiest jokes,” or “I could stare into your eyes all day.”
   • Similarly, don’t just say, “I like spending time with you.” Instead, say, “Whether we’re hiking trails, listening to new music, or crashing in front of the TV, every moment with you is exciting.”

[Edit]Stay positive so the person feels loved and appreciated.^[13]

1. Make your love feel extra special by telling them all the wonderful things you love about them.^[14] This isn’t the time to point out your problems or discuss how you want your relationship to improve in the future. Stick to happy, positive memories and anecdotes so your recipient feels loved.
   
   • Write things like, “Every day with you is a gift,” “On the day I met you, I knew I’d fall hard for you,” or “I’m amazed by your smile, your laugh, and your pure heart.” Let the person know how their love has changed your life for the better, and how they make you feel when you are with them<^[15]
   • Leave out stuff like, “I know we have our problems,” “One day we’ll be the couple we want to be,” or “I might get annoyed with you sometimes, but I know deep down you’re the right person for me.”

[Edit]Try expressing your feelings in a love poem.^[16]

1. A love poem can make anyone swoon! Let your feelings inspire you, write about an experience you had with your partner or crush, or compare your love to something special. Don't worry about format or rhyming. Just write what comes from your heart.
   
   • For instance, you might write about your first date or how your heart beats faster when they're around. Similarly, you might compare them to something like a cleansing rain that made you feel anew, sunlight that helped you blossom, or arms that lifted you up.

[Edit]Fold your letter into a unique shape for a creative delivery.^[17]

1. It's okay to use a regular envelope, but why not try something unique? Turn your letter into its own envelope. As another option, try a cute origami fold to really impress your love. This will make your letter feel extra special to the recipient.
   
   • For instance, you might fold your letter into a paper heart.
   • You could also try delivering the letter as a message in a bottle for a unique delivery.

[Edit]Tips

• Look at famous love letters for inspiration. You can find love letters written by famous writers or historical figures online. Check out how they expressed their love!
• Consider writing a first draft on scrap paper. You might want to review and revise your letter before you give it to your love.
• Take your time. Set apart time in your day to reflect on what you want to write and really focus on the task.
• Be patient. If the right words don't come along right away, don't worry over it! In time, your feelings will always come through in your writing if you keep trying at it.
• Be yourself! Keep what you write as personal and original as possible.

[Edit]Warnings

• Don't be creepy. If the person you are sending the letter to has told you they are not interested, don't pester any further!
• It may not work! Even though you may have given your letter all your heart, sometimes people just don't feel the same way. There will be someone else out there for you who will appreciate you for who you are! Try not to dwell on what you could have said better because it could very well be that even though you wrote something wonderfully, it just wasn't meant to be for that person.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Start a Letter

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/8-tips-for-writing-a-love-letter-to-your-spouse/
2. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/8-tips-for-writing-a-love-letter-to-your-spouse/
3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZDa5a0XGqw&feature=youtu.be&t=58
4. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/8-tips-for-writing-a-love-letter-to-your-spouse/
5. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/8-tips-for-writing-a-love-letter-to-your-spouse/
6. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a30234888/love-letters-guide/
7. ↑ https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/6421/how-to-write-a-love-letter/
8. ↑ [v161912_b01]. 26 August 2021.
9. ↑ [v161912_b01]. 26 August 2021.
10. ↑ https://www.bbwmagazine.com/2014/08/29/writing-a-love-letter/
11. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/8-tips-for-writing-a-love-letter-to-your-spouse/
12. ↑ [v161912_b01]. 26 August 2021.
13. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/8-tips-for-writing-a-love-letter-to-your-spouse/
14. ↑ [v161912_b01]. 26 August 2021.
15. ↑ [v161912_b01]. 26 August 2021.
16. ↑ https://powerpoetry.org/actions/6-tips-writing-love-poem
17. ↑ http://maplepostblog.com/letter-folds-that-will-impress-your-penpals/

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