Three Powerful Lessons About Love (Encore)

When Daniel Jones started the Modern Love column in 2004, he called for submissions and hoped the idea would catch on. Twenty years and over a thousand published essays later, Modern Love is a trove of real-life love stories.Jones has put so much of himself into editing the column over the years, but as he tells Anna Martin, the host of the “Modern Love” podcast, the stories shared in the columns have influenced him, too. Today, he talks about three Modern Love essays that have changed the way he thinks about love and relationships.Read the essays below:One Bouquet of Fleeting Beauty, PleaseNursing a Wound in an Appropriate SettingMy First Lesson in MotherhoodModern Love is looking for your stories! We’re working on an episode about the dating memories you want to forget. We want to know: What was the worst date you ever went on? What happened? And what are you trying to do differently when it comes to love in the new year? Whether you’re single or partnered, tell us about your bad dates. Send us your story by recording a voice memo and emailing it to [email protected]. Please include your name and where you’re based. You might hear your voice on a future episode of Modern Love.How to submit a Modern Love Essay to The New York TimesHow to submit a Tiny Love Story Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.