RomanceEverAfter

The Victorians

Victorian Trivia

The interesting aspects of the Victorians can be found in the details of their daily lives.  Whether we view the world of the Victorian in London society or America, there is always a piece of trivia that is fascinating to discover.

Love Letters

The Victorians viewed love letters as a prelude to marriage.  The marriage state, of course, was seen as a most "natural and serenely happy" state.  

Interestingly enough, it was recommended that marriage not be entered into until the couple was mature.  "Many a life has been wrecked by a blind, impulsive marriage"...  As such, an appropriate age for marriage for a man was 25 and a woman 23.

How Love Letters Should Be Written

Victorian etiquette recommended that love letters should be carefully written.  The writer should re-read each word to ensure that there is no statement or comment made that will be "regretted in the afterlife."  Perfection is the standard in which a love letter is to be held.  No grammatical or spelling errors should be found in the missive.

Women and Love Letters

The Victorians stated that ladies should be particularly cautious to maintain an air of dignity in her writing.  This is important just in case her feelings change or her love remains unclaimed.  

A lady would also need to be certain that her parents approved of her love letter writing.  If a parent is not aware of his daughter's activity, it is he that is at fault.

A Man's Responsibility

A true gentlemen will never "boast of his love conquests among his companions" or discuss the content of received love letters.  

Love Letters & A Broken Engagement

Should the engagement between the couple be terminated, it is best that each return their love letters to the other.  Where love no longer exists, the Victorians felt it was best to "wash out every recollection of the past".