A survey of more than 1200 Australians has revealed that over 70 per cent have written a love letter to show they care, resounding evidence, that in spite of the rise of new technology, a good old-fashioned love letter still has its place in society. “We conducted the survey in partnership with online dating sites, RSVP and Oasis.com, to investigate how Aussies are communicating with their partners both on and off-line.  What we discovered blew us away,” said Ms Barbara Oliver, marketing manager, Pilot Pen Australia. “We expected to find that new technology had overtaken more traditional forms of communication such as hand writing love letters and notes, particularly amongst younger people; yet 50 per cent of 18-30 year olds have written a love letter and over 65 per cent have received one. We anticipated launching a campaign to bring back the love letter – now we know that the love letter is officially alive and well – a very heart-warming finding just in time for Valentine’s Day!” she said. Over 80 per cent of those surveyed said that the love letter has a place in today’s busy society, with the majority saying that the love letter is romantic and it shows your loved one you have taken the time to think about them.  20 per cent said it was a lovely way to communicate your feelings and 16 per cent said it allows you to say things you don’t feel comfortable saying in person. Psychologist and RSVP Dating and Relationship expert John Aiken said he wasn’t surprised by the survey findings. “Communication is the key to a great relationship, and there is something very personal and intimate about communicating with a loved one via a hand written letter that shares your feelings with honesty and integrity.  A love letter is a great way to build trust,” he said. This was borne out by the survey which showed that 59.21 per cent said that the most important factor in building and maintaining a great relationship was communication.  Trust followed closely behind at 30 per cent. When spending time apart, talking on the telephone is the most preferred method of communicating with loved ones, particularly amongst the 50 plus age group (54 per cent).  Younger people aged 18-30 prefer texting (30 per cent) because it’s ‘short and sweet’. Just 16 per cent of respondents said that the love letter has no place in modern society.  Of these, the majority (40 per cent) said that new technology is quicker and more efficient.  Over a quarter said a text or email is just as romantic as a hand written note and 20 per cent said that no-one has the time to write letters these days. “There is definitely a leaning towards texting amongst younger people than in the older age group, which is to be expected, however the survey also shows that all Australians, whether old or young, are romantics at heart who love to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” said John. The beauty of a hand written love letter is that it can be kept and cherished, giving long lasting, heart-warming memories of your love that can be re-visited for many years to come.