Why I Love to Love the Modern Love Column

Bonnie and Clyde, Harry and Sally, Jackie and Melanie from this week’s “Modern Love” column: all beautiful stories of others’ love that captivate me. 

I have always loved love. As a young girl, I fell in love with the idea of love through Disney Channel romances, pop songs about love, and watching the people around me interact with their respective partners. 

All of these mediums, however, only exposed me to romantic love. But as I have grown into my fascination, my love for love has become analytical. Now, as I read and watch these tales, I diligently scan for the deeper meaning, challenging the definition of love that I held for so long, understanding that love is not only between partners. 

During my freshman year of high school, I overheard my parents talking about the Amazon Prime adaption of a New York Times column titled “Modern Love.” I heard them discussing the stories that the show highlighted and immediately went to research the column for myself. 

Immediately, I fell in love. Reading the column unleashed the same feeling that the Disney shows and cheesy songs once did. Witnessing a person share their stories of love and consuming it has always been one of my favorite things. To read well-written love stories from all corners of the globe was a whole new ball game. 

Now, each week, I open my computer to the New York Times “Modern Love” column. The witty headlines, raw emotions and morality of the pieces have me hooked. The stories explore the complexities of all relationships: adoption, polyamory, friendship, and beyond. 

The “Modern Love” column has really taught me more than I ever could have imagined. I understand that love can be found in all aspects of life and not just between partners. It taught me to look for love where I least expect it in my own life: friends, family, myself. I feel as if reading these love stories has taught me how to be an overall better friend, daughter, sister, and overall person.

Love between people is something so special, and when put into words, it becomes clear that everyone gives and feels love in a different way. Analyzing the bits and pieces of love stories has taught me that all types of love, even those of which I was not aware, are fuel.

It is funny yet beautiful how other people’s love stories have taught me how to love better in every corner of my world. I think that everyone can take something away from the “Modern Love” column. The stories featured leave you feeling warm, inspired, and ready to love. 

• love