Tiny Love Stories: “No Hugging … and Definitely Nothing Lewd”

A Collection of Bite‑Size Romance

Modern Love in miniature, featuring reader‑submitted stories of no more than 100 words.

The New York Times’ Modern Love column has launched a new spin‑off that asks writers to capture the spark of romance in a flash. Each entry must be under one hundred words, and the editorial guidelines are crystal clear: no hugging, no explicit scenes, and absolutely nothing lewd. The challenge is to convey longing, connection, and the quiet moments that make love feel profound—all within a tight word limit.

Submissions arrive from a diverse range of voices—students, retirees, and everyone in between. Some pieces focus on a fleeting glance on a subway, others on a handwritten note left on a kitchen table, and a few on the simple joy of sharing a favorite song. By stripping away grand gestures, the series highlights the intimacy found in everyday gestures.

Readers are encouraged to submit their own micro‑stories by visiting the Modern Love website, where a short form guides them through the word count and content restrictions. Selected stories appear weekly, each accompanied by a brief editorial note that explains why the piece resonated.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who’s never published before, Tiny Love Stories offers a playful yet heartfelt arena to explore love’s quiet corners—one hundred words at a time.