BY Lux Alptraum
September 17, 2007
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The New York Times “Modern Love” column: 1/3 inspiring, 1/3 boring, and 1/3 aggravating. Every Monday, we review this week’s installment, and let you know how the current tale of love (lost, found, or otherwise) stacks up.

As we get older, our lives become more cluttered and complicated with the remains of our previous relationships. Sometimes we’re left with emotional baggage: a new hang up, new dealbreaker. Sometimes we’ve just grown and changed: acquired new tastes, gained new experiences, been shaped into a new person. And sometimes, we’re left with a very physical reminder of our past relationship: children.

This week’s “Modern Love” is Maria Dahvana Headley’s tale of being a stepmother (and, at times, a stepmonster). It’s an interesting take on the experience of becoming a stepmother and — for us, at least — a reminder that, as we move into a relationships, we’re not simply dating (or, in this case, marrying) the person we see before us. We are, in fact, binding ourselves to their past, their present, their future — and all the experiences, baggage, and, yes, people, that that whole entire life involves.

And, uh, also, given the tone of the piece, that love will save the day and true love means loving your partner’s kids. And having them grow to love you. Eventually.