Open when letter ideas

Open when you're having a hard day

The ones they'll actually open first.

1. Open when you've had a bad day: "First, put the kettle on. Then read the rest of this."

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2. Open when you feel like you're not good enough: "I've got a list of reasons you're wrong. It's long."

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3. Open when you can't sleep: "I'm probably asleep, so here's me keeping you company anyway."

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4. Open when you're stressed about work: "You're allowed to be bad at your job for one day. You won't be, but you're allowed."

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5. Open when you're sick: "Soup, blanket, rubbish TV. Doctor's orders. I'm the doctor."

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6. Open when you're anxious: "Breathe in for four. Out for six. I'll wait."

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7. Open when you feel lonely: "You're not. You've got me, even from here."

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8. Open when we've had a fight: "I'm probably still annoyed. I still love you more than I'm annoyed."

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Open when something good happens

So they've got someone to celebrate with, even if you're not there.

1. Open when you get good news: "I knew it. I've always known it. Tell me everything."

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2. Open when you're happy for no reason: "Good. Stay there a while."

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3. Open when you need a laugh: "Remember the time we got lost looking for the car?"

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4. Open when you've achieved something big: "Look at you. I'm so proud I could burst."

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5. Open on a sunny day: "Go outside. That's it, that's the letter. Okay, one more thing: I love you."

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Open when you miss me

The essentials for a long distance relationship.

1. Open when you miss me: "I miss you too. Probably right now, as you read this."

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2. Open when you want to hear my voice: "Call me. Whatever time it is. I mean it."

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3. Open when you need a hug: "Wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze. That's from me. Harder."

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4. Open when you can't remember why we're doing this: "Because it's us, and us is worth it."

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5. Open the night before I visit: "Tomorrow. Finally. Go to sleep so it comes faster."

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6. Open when you've just said goodbye at the airport: "Okay. Cry if you want. Then start counting down again."

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Open when it's a milestone

For dates worth marking.

1. Open on your birthday: "Another year of you. The world got lucky again."

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2. Open on our anniversary: "Remember the first time you held my hand? I do."

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3. Open on New Year's Eve: "Whatever happens this year, I want to be next to you for it."

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4. Open on your first day at the new job: "They have no idea how lucky they are."

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5. Open when we've been together a year: "Here's what I know about you now that I didn't a year ago."

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6. Open when you're old and grey: "Told you I'd stick around."

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How to write open when letters (paper or digital)

Most sets have 10 to 20 letters. Pick the moments that fit your partner's life: if they hate flying, write one for the plane; if they're starting a degree, write one for exam week. Generic topics are fine as filler, but the specific ones are what get remembered.

Keep each letter short enough to read in two minutes. The first line does most of the work, so lead with something that sounds like you, then add a memory or a reason you love them.

If you're doing them digitally, write the whole set as drafts first. In Lovebeam, drafts stay private on your phone and cost nothing, so you can write ten in one sitting and send each one when the moment arrives. Sealed as a surprise, it will turn up inside the hours your partner picked, without the notification giving the words away.