Valentines is right around the corner and everyone is scrambling to get their significant others something to honor the occasion. Look no further because I’m going to make it easy on both of the sexes.
Ladies
Can’t decide what to get your manly man for the big day? Well I’ve got the thing for you. It’s Ben Thompson’s book Badass. Why should you get him this book for valentines? First off, it’s a book, it will be good for him to read something. Second, it’s manly and guarantees to diffuse his anxiety of the moment. Lastly, this is a great book. Ben was a history major who had ADHD and got bored easy, so instead of studying the textbook answers he decided to go out and see “how badass” these historical figures were and he’s done an awesome job. It’s funny, manly, and you actually learn history. You can’t go wrong with this book.
Gentlemen
You get the good stuff. I’m going to tell you how to write a love letter. As you can see from above, you’re getting an awesome book for valentines day, so the lease you can do is write your special lady a love letter. I’ll also give you an example! Exciting.
Why?
You may be like most men of this day and see the love letter as something that shows weakness, but it’s quite the contrary. Hemmingway, Churchill, Roosevelt, and many of the manliest men ever wrote about not just the generality of love, but the love of their lady.
I advise people to write letters often, but I always get responses similar to: “But I tell her I love her everyday” or “I give her flowers all of the time!” None of this matters. General George S. Patton once said, speaking about marriage: “Do not think now that you have her that you do not have to worry about losing her; never think that!” Patton was right, even though the bond of love is stronger than simple attention, it requires work and maintenance, and if you pen a love letter I guarantee you will be well rewarded.
How?
I’m going to steal a few notes from Brett on this one, but only because he has written it so eloquently.
1. State Your Purpose. Let her know right away that this is a love letter, not a ‘Dear John’ letter. Don’t let her heart beat with feverish anticipation of being broken up with throughout the letter only to end in love. It’s gotta be all love my friend.
2. Add A Romantic Memory. You two share a special bond that is steeped in a history of love. Remember what she was wearing when you two first met? How silly she looked in that giant peanut M&M’s outfit, but her eyes were so beautiful and you just had to talk to her. Show her that you remember.
3. What Do You Love About Her? Here’s where you get to splurge. Like if I were writing a letter to my motorcycle I would say something along the lines of “I know it’s been 11 years since the day I first laid eyes on you, but your sleek curves and yellow tones still take my breath away.” The truth is, my motorcycle has seen better days, but I still love it, and I would never tell it that!
4. How Has She Changed Your Life? Are colors brighter? Did the chirping of birds turn to songs of joy after you met? Do you enjoy sushi now instead of cringing at the thought of it? I’ve been there, I know the feelings, and you do too. I know they’re hard to express, but put them in words, for her.
5. Sum Up Your Love. I know, just the though of trying to ‘summarize’ your feelings for her is daunting, but you can do it. Combine the gist of the entire letter into one paragraph and toss in a commitment for more love and better things in the future, chicks dig that sort of thing.
Inspiration
Alright, I’m finally going to share with everyone one of the greatest and most powerful pieces of literature I have ever read. It’s something I was turned on to over at AoM and have held dear ever since I found it. I actually printed it out and carry a copy in my satchel.
The following is a letter written by Union Officer Sullivan Ballou, to his wife Sarah, a few days before he died in the Battle of Bull Run. Do not take it lightly, it will make a grown man cry:
July the 14th, 1861
Washington D.C.
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days-perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure-and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing-perfectly willing-to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows-when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children-is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death-and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and “the name of honor that I love more than I fear death” have called upon me, and I have obeyed.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me-perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar-that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night-amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours-always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father’s love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God’s blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Sullivan
Tears and chill bumps. That’s what I got the first time I read that. The final words of love from a man who is faced with his nearing death.
Now take up your pens and write (remember, no typing) your love letter. Use Sullivan Ballou and Sarah as inspiration.
As always, if you need ANY help writing a love letter or finding a gift for your loved one, hit me up any way you know how. There’s a contact page, comments under this post, or if you know me personally, get up with me that way.
In Defense of Love
Valentines is right around the corner and everyone is scrambling to get their significant others something to honor the occasion. Look no further because I’m going to make it easy on both of the sexes.
Ladies
Can’t decide what to get your manly man for the big day? Well I’ve got the thing for you. It’s Ben Thompson’s book Badass. Why should you get him this book for valentines? First off, it’s a book, it will be good for him to read something. Second, it’s manly and guarantees to diffuse his anxiety of the moment. Lastly, this is a great book. Ben was a history major who had ADHD and got bored easy, so instead of studying the textbook answers he decided to go out and see “how badass” these historical figures were and he’s done an awesome job. It’s funny, manly, and you actually learn history. You can’t go wrong with this book.
Gentlemen
You get the good stuff. I’m going to tell you how to write a love letter. As you can see from above, you’re getting an awesome book for valentines day, so the lease you can do is write your special lady a love letter. I’ll also give you an example! Exciting.
Why?
You may be like most men of this day and see the love letter as something that shows weakness, but it’s quite the contrary. Hemmingway, Churchill, Roosevelt, and many of the manliest men ever wrote about not just the generality of love, but the love of their lady.
I advise people to write letters often, but I always get responses similar to: “But I tell her I love her everyday” or “I give her flowers all of the time!” None of this matters. General George S. Patton once said, speaking about marriage: “Do not think now that you have her that you do not have to worry about losing her; never think that!” Patton was right, even though the bond of love is stronger than simple attention, it requires work and maintenance, and if you pen a love letter I guarantee you will be well rewarded.
How?
I’m going to steal a few notes from Brett on this one, but only because he has written it so eloquently.
1. State Your Purpose. Let her know right away that this is a love letter, not a ‘Dear John’ letter. Don’t let her heart beat with feverish anticipation of being broken up with throughout the letter only to end in love. It’s gotta be all love my friend.
2. Add A Romantic Memory. You two share a special bond that is steeped in a history of love. Remember what she was wearing when you two first met? How silly she looked in that giant peanut M&M’s outfit, but her eyes were so beautiful and you just had to talk to her. Show her that you remember.
3. What Do You Love About Her? Here’s where you get to splurge. Like if I were writing a letter to my motorcycle I would say something along the lines of “I know it’s been 11 years since the day I first laid eyes on you, but your sleek curves and yellow tones still take my breath away.” The truth is, my motorcycle has seen better days, but I still love it, and I would never tell it that!
4. How Has She Changed Your Life? Are colors brighter? Did the chirping of birds turn to songs of joy after you met? Do you enjoy sushi now instead of cringing at the thought of it? I’ve been there, I know the feelings, and you do too. I know they’re hard to express, but put them in words, for her.
5. Sum Up Your Love. I know, just the though of trying to ‘summarize’ your feelings for her is daunting, but you can do it. Combine the gist of the entire letter into one paragraph and toss in a commitment for more love and better things in the future, chicks dig that sort of thing.
Inspiration
Alright, I’m finally going to share with everyone one of the greatest and most powerful pieces of literature I have ever read. It’s something I was turned on to over at AoM and have held dear ever since I found it. I actually printed it out and carry a copy in my satchel.
The following is a letter written by Union Officer Sullivan Ballou, to his wife Sarah, a few days before he died in the Battle of Bull Run. Do not take it lightly, it will make a grown man cry:
July the 14th, 1861
Washington D.C.
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days-perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure-and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing-perfectly willing-to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows-when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children-is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death-and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and “the name of honor that I love more than I fear death” have called upon me, and I have obeyed.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me-perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar-that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night-amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours-always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father’s love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God’s blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Sullivan
Tears and chill bumps. That’s what I got the first time I read that. The final words of love from a man who is faced with his nearing death.
Now take up your pens and write (remember, no typing) your love letter. Use Sullivan Ballou and Sarah as inspiration.
As always, if you need ANY help writing a love letter or finding a gift for your loved one, hit me up any way you know how. There’s a contact page, comments under this post, or if you know me personally, get up with me that way.
With Love Everlasting,
-Adam
What was I listening to when I wrote this post?