<p>Caitriona Balfe (&quot;Outlander&quot;) reads Deenie Hartzog-Mislock's essay, about an imaginary man who helps a family cope with Alzheimer's.</p>

Was I On A Date Or Baby-Sitting? | With Sasheer Zamata

For 20 years, the Modern Love column has given New York Times readers a glimpse into the complicated love lives of real people. Since its start, the column has evolved into a TV show, three books and a podcast.

Each week, host Anna Martin brings you stories and conversations about love in all its glorious permutations, dumb pitfalls and life-changing moments. New episodes every Wednesday.

Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

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