In an age of emojis, memes and AI-written messages, it turns out that a beautifully written line of love still has the power to stop us in our tracks.
New research has revealed the most romantic words ever written – from classic novels and poetry to films and songs – and the results are a heart-warming reminder that romance on the page still matters, even if we’re writing it less often.
According to a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults, the line that makes Britain swoon the most comes from Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre:
“My heart is, and always will be, yours.”
Close behind is a much more modern classic, the tender declaration from Finding Nemo:
“When I look at you, I’m home.”
From sweeping Victorian literature to animated films watched repeatedly by today’s parents, the study shows that love stories – in all their forms – continue to shape how we understand romance.
Classic love still holds its power
Literary passion remains deeply embedded in the national psyche. Emily Brontë’s famous line from Wuthering Heights –
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” – was voted one of the most romantic phrases of all time, proving that intense, emotional storytelling still resonates across generations.
Epic film moments also featured strongly. Arwen’s declaration in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring –
“I would rather spend one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone” – was among the nation’s favourites, alongside iconic rom-com lines from Notting Hill, Sleepless in Seattle and Jerry Maguire.
Poetry, too, has lost none of its charm. Robert Browning’s hopeful verse,
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be,” was chosen by 16% of respondents – a sentiment many parents may feel especially keenly as family life evolves.
Are we losing the art of writing love?
Despite our enduring affection for romantic words, the research suggests that writing them ourselves is becoming increasingly rare.
More than a third of Gen Z (35%) and over a quarter of millennials (27%) admit they have never written words of love at all. A striking 91% of respondents agree that writing is no longer a common way to express feelings, with many citing awkwardness or a lack of confidence.
Over half (53%) said they would feel silly or uncomfortable writing a love letter, while 22% confessed they would struggle to find the right words when putting pen to paper.
For busy parents juggling work, family life and emotional labour, this reluctance may come as no surprise — yet the desire for meaningful connection remains strong.
Modern romance looks a little different
While handwritten letters may be fading, affection hasn’t disappeared – it’s simply taken new forms.
Among under-40s, popular modern expressions of love include sending memes (37%), posting each other on Instagram (32%), making “couple TikToks” (28%) and even working out together for social media (23%).
This Valentine’s season, 58% of Brits plan to buy a card or gift for their partner, although 28% admit they’ll be using AI to help write their message.
And yet, there’s a hopeful twist: 60% of people across all ages say they would love it if their partner wrote them personal words of love – proof that thoughtful, heartfelt messages are still very much wanted.
Bringing love letters back
In a bid to revive the lost art of romantic writing, LEGO Botanicals is hosting a love letter writing masterclass on 3 February at The Notting Hill Bookshop, led by actor Caroline Quentin.
Caroline shared: “Can an emoji really convey as much heartfelt meaning as a thoughtful love letter? Will a quick text be remembered as long as a deeply felt sentiment penned in a card? I’m so happy to be joining the LEGO Group to bring back proper love letters. Who knows, I may even put pen to paper to remind my darling husband that I love pink roses and daisies and after more than twenty years, I still adore him too.”
For parents, partners and anyone craving deeper connection, it may be the perfect reminder that sometimes, the most powerful gesture is simply taking the time to write how we feel.
The 20 most romantic words of all time
- “My heart is, and always will be, yours.” – Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
- “When I look at you, I’m home.” – Finding Nemo
- “I would rather spend one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” – The Lord of the Rings
- “I don’t want to close my eyes… ’cause I’d miss you, baby.” – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, Aerosmith
- “You are still the one I run to.” – You’re Still the One, Shania Twain
- “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” – Robert Browning
- “In fact, I like you very much. Just as you are.” – Bridget Jones’s Diary
- “It was a million tiny little things…” – Sleepless in Seattle
- “You make me want to be a better man.” – As Good As It Gets
- “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
- “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.” – Maya Angelou
- “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy…” – Notting Hill
- “My bounty is as boundless as the sea…” – Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
- “I cannot exist without you…” – John Keats
- “You had me at hello.” – Jerry Maguire
- “Love looks not with the eyes…” – Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- “At last, my love has come along.” – Etta James
- “I carry your heart with me.” – E. E. Cummings
- “I fell in love the way you fall asleep…” – The Fault in Our Stars, John Green
- “I hate the way I don’t hate you…” – 10 Things I Hate About You
The research was conducted for LEGO via Perspectus Global in January 2026 and is based on a nationally representative online survey of 2,000 UK adults.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
