Love Letters Are Still A Thing

February 14, 2017

There’s no denying it, we are a mob of romantics here in Australia after all, and the numbers prove it.

A new survey of 1,260 people by Pilot Pen and dating site RSVP has revealed:

  • 77 per cent of those surveyed admit they write and send cards on Valentine’s Day  
  • 80 per cent said they have hand written a love letter
  • 90 per cent said they believed there was still a place for the love letter today
  • 45 per cent said they had kept love letters sent to them by previous partners
  • 45 per cent said that love letters were romantic with just 6 per cent saying love letters were ‘ancient history’, and
  • 83 per cent said a written invitation was the most romantic way to be asked on a date.

Hand in hand with these survey figures is confirmation by Pilot Pen that, according to their figures, sales of prestige fountain pens have increased by 200 per cent in 12 months.

The survey is adamant that writing down your feelings by hand can help resolve arguments, strengthen your relationships and could even score you a date.

The survey, conducted in time for Valentine’s Day, revealed that 85 per cent of people said that writing down their feelings helped them feel clearer and calmer with 55 per cent saying it helped them kiss and make up after an argument.

“Taking the time to reflect inwardly and then picking up a pen to write your feelings down can be incredibly powerful for yourself and your relationships, helping you move through difficulties onto better times,” said John Aiken, psychologist and dating and relationship expert.

“It seems pen power still has an important place when it comes to expressing love and appreciation, which in this day and age, is heart-warming to see.”  

Barbara Oliver, marketing manager, Pilot Pen Australia, said that pen sales, particularly of fountain pens and inks, were increasing.

“We have seen a 200 per cent increase in sales of our prestige range of fountain pens and inks in the last twelve months,” she said.

“Research reveals this is part of a global trend which suggests an increasing need to communicate beyond the keyboard as part of a general backlash against technology.

“The resurgence in pen sales, together with the RSVP/Pilot Pen survey results, certainly suggests that the love letter is alive and well.”  

Mr Aiken said the beauty of a handwritten love letter was that it could be kept and cherished to maintain long lasting, heart-warming memories of your love that can be re-visited for many years to come.

Seventy five per cent of respondents said they buy their partner a Valentine’s present when in a relationship. Flowers are the most preferred gift (35 per cent), followed by dinner for two (22 per cent).  

The most romantic gift was considered to be a surprise weekend away (41 per cent) followed by a beautiful hand written love letter (28 per cent).

“It’s great to see that so many people still love to celebrate Valentine’s Day – it can be a great opportunity to make a romantic gesture that can keep the connection going between you and your partner, or demonstrate your feelings towards a potential partner,” said Mr Aiken.

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