Jason and Ann were married for 8 years, but their having survived the “seven year-itch" was no guarantee their marriage was not headed for the rocks; in fact, Ann contemplated on divorce not just once. Both with flourishing careers, they would spend months away from each other. Communication between them was limited to the cell phone; emails were flat and devoid of passion. Ann would ask herself, where did love go?

Love in transit

In this age of technology where communication is no longer hampered by distance and time, it is ironic how most couples still find themselves alienated by each other. From ordinary cell phones to technologically - advanced iPods, to laptops and VOIPs, maintaining communication with a spouse has never been easier, more convenient and stress-free. Yet something seems not right.

Instant Messaging System (IMs) is hands-down perfect when immediate messaging is necessary as it is built for that purpose, but for a spouse or another member of the family wanting re-assurance of love and support, more is required. This is where the knowledge and appreciation of writing effective emails come handy.

Writing Emails: Express Your Love Effectively in 5 Ways

As life becomes busier and lack of time is building tension in a marriage or in a relationship with a friend or a colleague, it is wise to rediscover the magic of writing letters, albeit electronically, in 5 easy ways:

1.Write from the heart. Write as honestly as you can. Express your feelings to your spouse or friend without trying to make an impression that you could be another Danielle Steele, but just how much you appreciate the emotional connection between you, despite the distance.

2.Spice it up with smileys. It is amazing how these cute emoticons can put life to a drab email. Smileys come in a wide assortment of expressions that can help you describe how you feel towards your spouse when words aren’t enough. Look for a free download that is spamware and addware safe, with smiley emoticons coming in different sizes, for better options.

3.K-I-S-S it. Keep it short and simple, but hit home your message

The most number of emails that have hit the waste bin rather than the inbox were emails so long, they missed their point. When you have downloaded smileys on your desktop, you can easily use these emoticons to succinctly express what you feel – without losing impact. As proven by experience, “a picture (smiley) paints a thousand words".

4.Say thanks. It is human nature to expect appreciation or seek approval from other people. No one wants to be taken for granted, thus expressing your thanks to your spouse through email, when he least expects it will surely melt his heart!

5.Assign it priority. Cultivate the habit of keeping in touch by sending emails to a spouse, your child or a friend even if you see each other daily. Prioritize communication among loved ones, and do not allow yourself to be so totally caught up in the web of seemingly hurried times that would make a 3-minute call seems luxury. Include in your daily schedule a phone call, a text message, or a short email. Nothing touches the heart more effectively than the act of love shown in simple, yet meaningful ways – at every opportunity.

You see, love need not be expensive; in fact, smileys can be downloaded free to your desktop, and emails absolutely do not cost you a cent when you send them.

Try it today! Rediscover the art of sending emails with smileys and find out for yourself how easy it is to reconnect to your loved ones. These cute emoticons have a way of putting smiles back on many faces, as they warm the heart, too.

And save a relationship when you still can. At the end of a trying day, it is always nice to know you have a place to go to; a peaceful refuge with a warm hug and a kiss that await you, in a place you call – home.