The Secret to True Romance

This episode of Modern Love explores the meaning of romance through listener-submitted stories and an interview with Lonnie Anderson and Anne Bolger Witherspoon, known for their elaborate Valentine's Day celebrations. The listener stories reveal romance in small, everyday gestures, such as a partner adjusting seating arrangements to accommodate hearing loss or offering help in removing a sweatshirt in the middle of the night. Lonnie and Anne discuss their 30-year tradition of grand Valentine's Day gestures, ranging from reprogramming a planetarium to display "I love Anne" to creating a giant crop circle visible from space. They reflect on how these public displays of affection have evolved into a community affair, involving friends, family, and even strangers, while also acknowledging the challenges of maintaining intimacy amidst public attention. This year's Valentine's Day involves transforming a local candy store with a jelly bean sign and custom candies, showcasing community involvement.