Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Quadient research shows that tangible love letters endure, even as digital communication rises.
How many Brits keep old love letters?
According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Quadient:
- 20% of Brits admit they’ve kept romantic cards or love letters because they’re “too special” to throw away.
- That equates to more than 11 million adults across the UK.
- 23% say they’re more likely to keep a physical love letter than a digital message.
- 24% believe sending a letter by post is more thoughtful than sending a message online.
Even more striking:
- 8% (4.4 million people) would keep love letters from past relationships as personal keepsakes even in a new relationship.
- 6% (3.3 million people) have kept love letters from an ex despite moving on.
The message is clear, physical mail holds emotional value that digital communication struggles to replicate.
Are love letters more romantic than text messages?
Yes, according to a quarter of Brits.
- 25% say opening a letter feels more romantic than receiving a message on their phone.
- The same percentage would rather receive a physical love letter than a text or DM on Valentine’s Day.
- 15% say digital romantic messages feel less special because they’re easy to delete, lose, or forget.
In the era of instant messaging, effort stands out. A letter arriving through the door carries anticipation, intention and permanence, qualities that elevate the emotional experience.
Who is sending love letters in 2026?
Contrary to the assumption that the post is “old-fashioned,” younger generations are embracing it.
Separate Quadient research reveals that 18–34-year-olds are sending twice as many love letters as the rest of the population.
For those who’ve grown up surrounded by technology, handwritten communication feels more personal and memorable. Amid constant notifications, physical mail cuts through the noise.
Why do people keep romantic letters?
Relationship expert Lorin Krenn explains:
“Tangible messages feel more romantic because they carry presence, effort and intention. A handwritten letter or card reflects time, care and a personal touch that digital messages often lack. That’s why people hold onto them, they become artefacts of love, capturing anchoring moments, feelings and relationships in a physical form that can be returned to and felt again over time.”
A love letter isn’t just communication, it becomes a keepsake.
The lasting value of physical mail
At Quadient, we understand the emotional and practical power of physical communication.
Mark Statton, Mail Solutions Expert at Quadient, comments:
"We may live in a digital world, but Valentine’s messages don’t always need to be digital. While writing a letter may seem old-fashioned, people still value a romantic note they can open, hold, and keep. A few romantic lines sent by post can turn a message into a keepsake that lasts far beyond 14th February. This shows that 'old-school' communication still holds real value in 2026. In business and in life, physical communications create impact. They are opened, displayed, saved, and remembered."
Why this matters for businesses
While this research centres on Valentine’s Day, the findings offer valuable insight for businesses looking to build lasting connections with their customers.
In a digital world:
- Physical communication drives higher emotional engagement.
- Tangible mail is perceived as more thoughtful and intentional.
- Printed communications are more likely to be retained.
For businesses looking to cut through the digital noise, mail remains a powerful channel for building meaningful connections with customers.
FAQs
Do people still send love letters in 2026?
Yes. In fact, 18–34 year olds are sending twice as many love letters as older generations.
How many people in the UK keep old love letters?
Around 20% of UK adults, over 11 million people, keep romantic cards and letters because they’re too special to throw away.
Are physical love letters considered more romantic than texts?
Yes. One in four Brits say opening a letter feels more romantic than receiving a digital message.
Why are physical letters more meaningful?
They require effort, feel intentional, and create a tangible keepsake that can be revisited over time.
About the Research
Research conducted by Quadient in February 2026 surveyed 2,000 UK adults.
