What’s Your 13-Word Love Story?

Brian Rea for The New York Times

It’s been 13 years since The New York Times debuted its hit column, Modern Love, which covers all the angst and wonder, joy and despair, of modern day relationships. The essays in the column generally reach about 1500 words. In honor of the column’s 13th birthday, the editors wanted to see what kind of love stories could emerge in 13 words, so they presented the challenge to their readers. Here are a few of my favorite, plus my own 13-word love story:

I have two former fiancés. One, sadly, is dead. The other should be. — Sara, New York

I thought I was straight. She thought she was straight. We were wrong. — Rachael Ní Chonchúir, Ireland

I was sad. He sent me dinosaur erotica. I knew it was love. — Meredith Schwartz, Atlanta

Friend with benefits eventually becomes ex-husband who pays less arousing, more satisfying benefits. — Sarah McKittrick, Baltimore

We both love craft beer and public radio. So we’re insufferable, but together. — Laura Fluty, Saint Peters, Mo.

Smile, though your heart is breaking. Then key his new BMW. It helps. — Sheila, Los Angeles

And this one’s about a pet cat:

Golda: Gold (Yiddish). Suits her; she’s like a pot of gold (after divorce). — Amy Schreibman Walter, London

And here are my 13-word love stories for my husband, kids, and cats:

Blind date, eleven years ago: “Are you crazy?” We married in Central Park.

Giving birth without an epidural was the easy part. Oh, but my heart.

All joy, except: over two and you don’t sleep through the night? WTF.

I’ve had her for 18 years (my entire adulthood so far!). She bites.

I resisted every other kitten at the shelter for two years. He’s cute!