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Dear Anna,

Good to hear from you after so many years. Fancy you being married!

I'm not married but I've got a boyfriend called Tom. I must tell you about him. We've known each other for three years. I quite liked him when we first met, but I didn't really fancy him in any big way. I did like being with him - he fascinated me with his stories of his travels around the world and something mysterious about his past attracted me. What's more, we were both keen on sailing. Little by little I fell in love with him. His sense of humour appealed to me and I was captivated by his smiling eyes. Now, three years later, I can't see why I didn't fall for him the moment we met. He's a very caring person, fond of animals and small children. He's always affectionate and loving towards me and passionate both about me and about the things he believes in and the people he cares for. I hope we'll always be as devoted to each other as we are now.

Do write again soon and tell me all about your life!

Love,
Amy

Loathe, detest, despise, cannot stand and cannot bear are all stronger ways of saying 'dislike' and they are all followed by a noun or an -ing form.

I loathe / detest / despise / can't stand / can't bear bad-mannered people. I can't bear listening to her stupid stories.

Repel, revolt, appal and disgust are strong words used to describe the negative effect which something has on a person.

His films disgust me. I was revolted by the way he spoke. We were appalled by the conditions in the refugee camp. His behaviour repels everyone.

Desire is either a formal verb to express a sexual wish for someone or a formal word for wish. He desired her the moment he saw her. I have a strong desire to see the Himalayas before I die.

Look forward to means think about something in the future with pleasant anticipation. It is followed by a noun or an -ing form. The opposite is dread, which is rather strong.

I'm looking forward to going to Fiji but I'm dreading the long flight.

Long for means to wish for something very much. Yearn for is a more poetic way of saying long for. After this long, cold winter, I'm longing for spring. He will never stop yearning for his country although he knows he can never return.