Today I'm sharing with you all a little trick that is great for all the long distance relationships out there, be it lovers at two different colleges or a marriage separated by a deployment. There are a ton of "Open When..." letter ideas out there on the internet, and I have twice now adapted the concept for when I've gone abroad and Kyle is not with me. The first time was last summer, when my family and I went on our European River Cruise. I knew that I would not be able to call and talk on the phone, and that we'd be busy so communication in general would be pretty slow. I wanted something for him to do that would keep him busy, and keep him reminded of how much I loved and missed him. And then this year, with me being abroad for much longer for my study abroad, I definitely wanted to bring the "Open When..." concept back around for round 2!
In case you are new to the idea, the whole premise behind the "Open When..." letter are that your loved one (or even long distance BFF!) opens different letters whenever the situation matches the one written on the outside of the envelope. Inside, they will read your written note regarding what is on the outside.
Some great examples of "Open When..." Topics:
Open when... you miss me
Open when... you've had a rough day
Open when... you need a hug
Open when... you need to be reminded why I love you
Open when... you are bored
Open when... you are feeling lonely
Open when... you are mad or upset
Open when... you are happy
Open when... you are feeling nostalgic about us
Open when... you are about to see me
A simple google search or Pinterest search will bring up a myriad of topics to put in your letters, but I find it best to really try and personalize them to the recipient and your relationship with them. In addition, I like to make some of them little gifts. For example, Kyle loves to go to the movies, and we frequently go together, so I will wrap up a box or two of his favorite movie candy and write "Open When... you're going to the movies". Last summer, I even included a container filled with Hershey's Kisses, for "A Kiss A Day While I'm Away." This summer, I am gone over his birthday so I included something special for that, a couple extra special things now that we are engaged, and several countdown letters for my return to the country.
It might seem kind of cheesy, but it certainly makes me feel better knowing that when I can't be there to call easily, to cheer him up, or to listen to his rough shift at work, that at least he has some words of mine to read. And plenty of candy for any movie adventures while I'm away! :)
Have you given "Open When" letters before? Do you have any good topics you can share?
--Caroline
