In brief
The Modern Love column, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has offered a platform for intimate and revelatory essays about love. This space combines private narratives with public sharing, often offering validation and introspection for both writers and readers.
The Modern Love column began 20 years ago with a narrative from Steve Friedman on dealing with heartbreak, and has since become a renowned platform for exploring the complexities of relationships. Edited by Daniel Jones, this space delves into the deeply personal experiences of love, loss, and staying together, and presents them for public reflection. Among its standout essays, those by Amy Sutherland, Mandy Len Catron, and Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illuminate the unique perspectives and transformative power of love. Sutherland’s piece, "What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage," humorously revisits animal training lessons applied in marital contexts. Mandy Len Catron’s 2015 essay described an experiment with intimate questions to foster romantic connection, inspiring many readers to try, and succeed in, forming lasting bonds. Rosenthal’s poignant narrative, crafted as she battled cancer, hoped to find future love for her husband—a testament to selfless love. The column continues to inspire with narratives that mirror the intricate dance of human emotions as they pertain to relationships.