Do you like to surprise your guy with thoughtful and loving gestures?
Writing open when letters for the man you love is an easy way to express your feelings and show him just how much he means to you.
Whether you’re a military girlfriend or your man works far from you, these 27 open when letter ideas for the man you love will help keep your connection alive and meaningful.
From humorous musings to heartfelt expressions of love, these letters cover a wide range of topics that will make your partner smile.
So go ahead and get writing!
What Is An Open When Letter?
Before jumping into the letter ideas, let’s quickly go over what an “open when” letter is. It is a special type of note that contains instructions on when to read it.
You can choose any circumstance for the letter receiver to receive or open it.
For example, you can write a letter that says, “open when you’re feeling down,” “open when you miss me,” or even “open when you need a good laugh.”
Once the recipient of your letter opens it, they will find words of encouragement and love from you. Remember to write personalized messages that align with each prompt.
Open when letters are meaningful gifts because they not only convey an individual’s emotions directly to someone special but also come as reminders of how much you care about that person every time they open a new letter.
What Are the Rules for Open When Letters?
While open when letters are a unique way to communicate special messages to someone you care about, there are some rules to writing and reading them.
Here are a few:
Rules For The Writer:
The letters you write should reflect your personality and relationship with the receiver
Be honest in your messages. Don’t hide how you truly feel or be afraid to be vulnerable, as these notes should come from the heart.
Include a variety of prompts so that your partner has plenty to open when they need some extra love and support.
Rules For The Receiver:
You shouldn’t open the letters at once. Take your time and savor each one as you read it.
Open the letter according to the instructions written on it. Don’t open it before the time or occasion specified.
Never peek inside an open when letter, no matter how tempted you may be.
Take your time reading the letters and savor each moment. Don’t rush through them or skim them; take it all in, no matter how long it takes.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed after reading the letters. They are meant to comfort and support you, not overwhelm you.
Follow these rules to avoid an awkward or uncomfortable situation for both the writer and the reader.
For instance, if the reader opens the letter before the specified time, they may miss out on some important content, leaving the writer feeling frustrated or unheard.
Open When Letters for Him: 27 Unique and Fun Ideas
If you’re ready to make your man feel special and loved, consider sending some of these open when letter ideas for your boyfriend or husband.
1. Open When You Miss Me
Write a letter expressing how much you miss him and why you can’t wait to be in his arms again.
Tell him how much you miss all the things you do together when he’s around that make for such special memories. Include cute and funny stories about your time together to add an extra touch of humor and love.
2. Open When You Need a Good Laugh
Make your man chuckle by writing a humorous note or sharing a funny story. Tell him about a time when you two had a good laugh together or write some silly jokes to make him smile.
You can also include some inside jokes, puns, or anecdotes that only the two of you can understand.
3. Open When You Miss Comfort Food From Home
Being away from home can be especially difficult without the regular comfort of home-cooked meals. An ‘open when’ letter filled with recipes for your man’s favorite dishes from home would make him feel nostalgic.
Suggest he indulge in comfort food cooking and recreate recipes with sentimental value, like his grandma’s famous potato salad recipe or his mom’s signature chili.
Adding tip cards with step-by-step instructions should help him perfect each dish while explaining where the recipe originated from will keep memories alive.
It’s sure to remind him of special moments spent with family and loved ones back home!
4. Open When You Need a Pick-Me-Up
Compose an uplifting note to give your man a much-needed confidence boost when he’s feeling down or overwhelmed.
Encourage him to stay strong and remind him that things will get better, no matter how difficult the situation may seem.
Let him know you’re always there to listen and support him through thick and thin.
5. Open When You Need Some Inspiration
Write a letter full of inspirational words, quotes, or anecdotes that your man can turn to when he’s feeling discouraged or unmotivated.
Share some of your own life lessons and advice that can help him stay focused on the task at hand and realize his dreams.
6. Open When Your Boss Yells At You
It’s always tough when your man has to deal with a difficult boss, and sometimes it can be hard for him to find the strength to keep going.
When writing this letter, include words of assurance and encouragement, such as admiration for the hard work your man is putting into their job or appreciation for everything he is achieving despite any difficult obstacles.
It should also include tips on approaching future disagreements with a calmness that comes from knowing that even if things get tough, someone will always have his back.
Writing one of these letters is a simple but caring gesture that can give the receiver an immense amount of solace in moments when it’s most needed.
7. Open When You Need a Hug
Tell him that your love will always keep him warm even though you’re not there. Write a comforting message expressing how much you love and care for him, telling him that he can always count on you to be by his side.
Include a few of your favorite hugs and kisses and a personalized drawing or photo that will make the letter even more special.
8. Open When You Need a Reminder That I Love You
Share your love for him in this open-when letter. Tell him how much he means to you and why you can’t wait to be together again.
Include some of your favorite memories with him and a few fun facts that only the two of you know. It’s sure to make him smile and feel loved!
9. Open When You Need To Feel Appreciated
Appreciation and recognition are the fuel that keeps our men going. These two are essential for any relationship to flourish, so why not give your man the appreciation he deserves in this open-when letter?
Tell him everything you love about him and express how much his presence means to you. Highlight all the positive qualities that make him unique and remind him of how special he is.
You can also throw in a few compliments that he would never expect to hear but will definitely appreciate.
10. Open When You Need a Good Cry
Men also need a good cry. It’s shocking, I know, but it’s true! Crying helps release emotions and has also been linked to improved mental health and well-being.
So, if your man needs a good cry, then this open-when letter is the perfect way to provide him with emotional support.
Write about everything you love about him and express your unconditional love for him. Remind him that his feelings are valid, that you understand, and that you’re there for him even if he doesn’t want to talk.
Let this letter be a reminder that it’s ok to feel vulnerable and show emotions from time to time.
11. Open When You Need To Be Reminded of Our Promises
Love is a promise, and you must keep it alive for it to last.
Write your man a letter that reminds him of all the promises you made when you first fell in love and how each one still holds true today.
Remind him of the moments you shared together, tell stories about where your love started, and express your appreciation for all the time you’ve spent together.
This will be a great reminder that your love is stronger than ever and worth fighting for.
12. Open When You’re Feeling Disappointment
When your man is out there chasing his dreams, it can be tough when things don’t go as planned.
The disappointments and setbacks can be difficult to handle, but with this letter, you can provide him with the emotional support he needs to get through the day.
Let him know that even though there are challenges, it doesn’t mean he’s any less capable or worthy of achieving his goals. Remind him why he should never give up and how failure is just another way of learning and growing.
Share stories from your own experiences with disappointment and let him know that you are always in his corner, cheering him on.
13. Open This on Your Birthday
Birthdays are a special occasion; your man deserves to feel loved and appreciated. But if you can’t be with him in person, this letter is the perfect way to let him know how much you care.
In the letter, wish him a happy birthday and a prosperous year ahead, and share a few of your favorite memories together. You could also include a special poem or write him a song.
And if you can’t think of any interesting words, simply writing “I love you” is enough! Your man will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind it anyway.
14. Open on Our Anniversary
Anniversaries are a time for joy, celebration, and reflection. Whether it’s your first anniversary or your 50th, this open when letter is a great way to show your love and appreciation for each other, especially when you cannot be together in person.
Write about the reasons you fell in love with each other and how far you’ve come as a couple. Talk about all the memories you made together and share your dreams for the future.
Let him know that he has been there for you through thick and thin, and express how much his presence means in your life.
Your man will be touched by the thought and effort you put into this letter!
15. Open When You’re Scared
We always look at men like our superheroes and rock stars, but even superheroes get scared sometimes. Even Batman needs to take off his mask and let out his fears every once in a while.
This open when letter is the perfect way to show your man how much you love and care for him. Remind him that it’s perfectly normal to experience fear, and let him know that he can always reach out to you for support.
Whether he is scared of his future or scared of facing another challenge, this letter will give him the courage to take on whatever comes his way.
Tell your man that you are always there for him and how proud you are of all he has achieved so far. This is sure to make him feel loved and cherished!
Life can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially when your man has been working too hard or taking on too much at work. Unfortunately, it’s even worse if he’s in the military on deployment and can’t tell you what’s happening.
But with this open-when letter, you can help him cope with any emotions he might be feeling. Let him know that it’s OK to make mistakes and sometimes to feel overwhelmed by life.
Show him that you understand what he is going through and encourage him to keep pushing forward.
17. Open When You’re on Your Way Home From Deployment
If your husband or boyfriend is away on military deployment, you know how difficult it can be to be separated from each other. So why not write him a letter filled with love and appreciation?
Tell him how much he is loved and missed while away and how excited you are for his homecoming.
Describe everything you’ll do when he returns, like having a romantic dinner or watching his favorite sports game together.
Also, remind him of the simple pleasures you enjoy together, like going for a walk in the park or cuddling up on the couch to watch movies.
Your man will be so touched when he reads this letter, and it will definitely make his homecoming even more special!
18. Open When You’re In Trouble With Your Superior at Work
When you and your man live close to one another, he could easily come to you for advice whenever he’s in trouble with a superior at work. But if he is living far away from home, it can be difficult for him to get help.
It’s even worse if you live in different time zones, and he can’t reach you when it’s most needed.
That’s why this open-when letter is so important. By writing him this letter, you can show your love and let him know that no matter how tough the situation he is facing may be, you will always stand by his side and support him.
19. Open When It’s Raining
Rainy days are the perfect time to stay in and relax with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book, cuddling with your man.
But how do you show him your love and appreciation if he is living away? This open-when letter can be the perfect way to reach out to him.
Write about all the things that make rainy days so special. Talk about cuddling up on the couch with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and a nice movie.
Describe how you can stare out the window and admire the rain as it washes away all your worries. Let him know that he is safe in your arms, no matter what storm is raging outside.
20. Open When You’re Missing the Kids
There is nothing harder for a father than being away from his children. Write him a letter telling him how much the kids miss him, and tell them about all the fun things they’ve been up to.
Talk about their accomplishments, like when they learned to ride their bike or won their first soccer game. Let your man know that no matter how far apart they are, you will always support him—just like he supports them.
This will definitely make him feel loved and cherished! And remember to include a sweet photo of the kids so he can remember his little ones even when he’s away from home.
21. Open When Your Favorite Team Wins Or Losses
If your guy is an avid sports fan, this is one of these cute open when letter ideas for your boyfriend that will make him smile.
Write a note that celebrates or comforts him, depending on the outcome of his favorite team’s game.
Tell him that even if they don’t win, you’ll always cheer them on and support them in any way you can.
You can also make fun of him a little by adding some sport-related jokes or puns that will make him smile.
22. Open When You Need to Make a Big Decision
Write your man a thoughtful letter encouraging him to make the best decision possible for his future. Remind him why he’s capable and strong and how you’ll always be there to back him up no matter his choices.
Include some of your own experiences with making big decisions and how they helped shape the person you are today.
23. Open When You’ve Been Deployed a Month
Being on deployment can be tough, and it often feels like time passes exceedingly slowly. Writing this letter can help keep your man’s spirit up while he is away and remind him of your love and support.
Write about all the good times you shared and how much you look forward to seeing him again. Describe in vivid detail what it will be like when he returns home and your reunion with each other.
Be sure also to include a few photos of you and him together, so he can remember all the special moments you have shared when he is feeling down.
24. Open When You Don’t Know How To Express Yourself
We all have moments when we just can’t find the words to express our thoughts and feelings. That’s when this open-when letter comes into play.
Include everything you would tell him if you could, such as how much he means to you and how you’re always here for him, no matter what.
Remind him that he doesn’t have to put on a brave face when things get tough—he can be vulnerable with you and open up.
25. Open When You Need To Remember There’s A Light At The End Of The Tunnel
When life throws a curve ball, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Use this open-when letter to remind your man that no matter how dark things get, you’ll always be there for him, and together, you can get through anything.
Paint a picture of the brighter days ahead and tell him all the wonderful things that await him if he keeps going.
Let your man know that you will never, ever give up on him—not today, not tomorrow, or any other day.
26. Open When You Need To Be Reminded That I Love You
Love letters never go out of style, even when you’re in a long-term relationship. Let your man know how much he means to you with this open-when letter.
Write about why you love him and everything that makes him special to you. Remind him of all the little moments you’ve shared together and how strong your bond is.
Expressing your love and appreciation for him will definitely make his day brighter!
27. Open When You’re Feeling Lonely
Loneliness creeps up on us when we least expect it. Let your man know he’s never alone with this open-when letter.
Include some of your favorite memories and remind him to reach out whenever he needs a friend or someone to talk to.
You can also include a funny photo or joke so that he can laugh away those lonely thoughts!
Other Things You Might Include in an Open When Letter for Him
While open when cards for your boyfriend are great for reminding him how much you care, it doesn’t have to be all about love and mushy feelings.
You can also include some fun things such as:
Coupons for date nights: Adding coupons to these letters can be a great way to surprise him with planned dates or activities. However, ensure that the coupons are for a date that you know he’ll be home.
Recipes: Everyone loves a homemade meal, so why not include some of your favorite recipes in an open-when letter? He’ll surely appreciate your effort and love in preparing his favorite dishes.
Photos: Include some of your favorite photos together, or add a few funny ones if you want to bring some light-heartedness into his day. If you’re daring, you can also share steamy photos of you in lingerie or boudoir-style shots.
His favorite candy: Adding his favorite candy or treat to the letter is a sweet gesture and will definitely put a smile on his face. These little surprises can be a great pick-me-up when he’s feeling down.
A gift card for his favorite place: Treat your man to his favorite store or restaurant with a gift card. He’ll be sure to appreciate the gesture, and you’ll definitely make his day!
No matter what you choose to include in your letter, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart and shows him how much you care.
Bottom Line
Open when letters are a great way to show the man you love how much he means to you.
With these loving letter ideas, you’ll be able to let your man know that even in the toughest of times, you’re always here for him.
Whether you’re expressing your thoughts and feelings or surprising him with something special, these letters will make your man feel loved and appreciated. So why not get creative and start writing one today?
