Love Letter: My partner is dying. How do we talk about it?
Plus, three dazzling romance novels.
Love Letter
July 17, 2026

Talking about death is never easy. So how do you approach those conversations when your partner is the one dying?

Click the link below to read our columnist’s advice on how to navigate end-of-life affairs. You’ll also find a charming Modern Love essay about why one woman needed to date a man who annoyed her and three new romance novels that are filled with fireworks.

P.S. Know someone who needs a little love? Forward today’s Love Letter their way.

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An illustration of a woman on a beach with her hand to her forehead peering out at the horizon. In the distance a male figure is standing near the shore.

Marta Monteiro

Hard Conversations

My partner is dying. How do we talk about it?

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Exposure Therapy

He annoyed me, which is exactly what I needed in a man.

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A Lesson Learned

They had a rocky introduction. But their relationship flourished when he understood the assignment.

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Young Love

In “Heartstopper Forever,” they are growing up and staying true to themselves.

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Binge Watch

Here’s why Netflix’s “The Polygamist” has viewers outside South Africa talking.

In this collage illustration a figure with long hair, wearing a skirt, is running over the moors. There is a figure to her right, and superimposed on her dress is a photo of interwined hands.

Reading List

These romance novels are filled with dazzling fireworks.

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Fashionable Headwear

Meet the milliner making hats for the modern bride.

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A “Dual Track” Life

Through sickness, they remained “healthy with each other.”

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Tiny Love Stories

“How to woo her? An unconventional idea hit me: You never forget the person who taught you to drive stick shift.”

Warm your heart with our best stories on love, sex and relationships. Some will make you cry. Some might make you blush.

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This newsletter was written by Matt Yan and edited by Talya Minsberg.

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