At the end of the day, if the guy is going to write the girl a

"At the end of the day, if the guy is going to write the girl a letter, whether it's chicken scratch or scribble or looks like a doctor's note, if he takes the time to put pen to paper and not type something, there's something so incredibly romantic and beautiful about that." With these words, Meghan Markle speaks to the timeless magic of handwritten letters—a gesture so deeply personal and intimate that it transcends the flaws of the writing itself. In a world where words are often typed and sent with the click of a button, the act of writing by hand carries with it an emotional depth that cannot be replicated by the sterile nature of modern technology. Markle emphasizes the romanticism inherent in the effort to engage in a truly personal way, where the imperfections of the handwriting only serve to deepen the beauty of the gesture. The imperfection itself becomes part of the message, an expression of vulnerability and sincerity.

In the ancient world, writing was often seen as a sacred act, as much about the intention behind the words as the words themselves. The Greeks and Romans placed great importance on written communication as a means of connecting with others on a deeply personal level. Consider the letters of Cicero, which provide us not only with political insight but with the very character of the man himself. Though his handwriting may have been imperfect or rushed in some cases, his letters conveyed a profound connection with those he loved, and in that imperfection lay the very essence of his humanity. Much like Cicero, the written word was his extension, a way to connect beyond the distance of time and space, making it no less meaningful, regardless of how it was penned.

Meghan Markle's reflection also calls to mind the romanticized idea of a love letter, which has been an emblem of devotion for centuries. In the Middle Ages, knights would often write letters of devotion to their ladies, though these letters were often written in imperfect prose, fraught with spelling errors or awkward phrasing. Yet the sincerity of these written words conveyed a deep sense of longing and sacrifice, much more than any carefully constructed love poem. The effort to express love through the written word was in itself a sacrifice, an act of courage that stood in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of spoken words or impersonal gestures. The imperfection of a handwritten letter became a symbol of something real—something that transcended the polished, filtered nature of modern communication.

In a more contemporary example, consider the letters between Napoleon Bonaparte and his beloved Josephine. Napoleon’s handwritten letters were filled with raw emotion, sometimes messy, and sometimes quick, but always deeply personal. In these letters, he revealed the true depth of his affection, more so than any grand military strategy or diplomatic speech. It is this intimate vulnerability—the willingness to expose one’s soul through the imperfections of handwriting—that makes the act of writing a letter so profoundly romantic. Much like Markle’s thoughts, the effort and humanity embedded in these personal letters speaks louder than any technological advance could ever achieve.

The lesson from Markle’s words is profound: it is not the perfection of our actions, but the sincerity and effort behind them that make them meaningful. In a world that often values speed and efficiency, we must remember the power of slowing down and engaging in something personal and authentic. Whether it is a love letter or a note to a friend, the act of putting pen to paper is a way of saying, “You matter enough for me to take time out of my busy life to create something just for you.” Handwritten words convey emotion, a direct channel to the heart that cannot be overlooked or misunderstood in the way that electronic communication can sometimes be.

In our own lives, let us follow Markle’s wisdom and embrace the romanticism of the personal gesture. Let us take the time to write, to slow down, and to express ourselves in ways that are thoughtful and deliberate. Whether we write a letter, a note, or even a simple message, let it be a reflection of authenticity and love, not just in the words but in the act itself. Let us not fall into the trap of quick and impersonal communication, but instead cherish the moments when we can connect more deeply and meaningfully with others. There is a beauty in imperfection, a romanticism in the effort it takes to show someone that they are worth the time and care it takes to write them a letter.

In doing so, we will find that even the simplest of actions, like a handwritten note, can have a profound impact on our relationships. It is not just the words we say, but the intent behind them and the effort we put into expressing them that makes all the difference. Markle’s reflection encourages us to embrace the timeless power of personal connection, to remember that sometimes the most romantic and beautiful acts are the ones that come from the heart—unpolished, imperfect, and deeply human.