Boston’s beloved relationship column, Love Letters is turning September into a weekend of cinema, science and confessional listening. On Sept. 23 the column will join the historic Coolidge Corner Theatre for a special edition of the theatre’s “Science on Screen” series. The night will feature the 1997 comedy Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion followed by a conversation with Brown University scholar Oriel FeldmanHall whose research on real-world social networks and gossip offers a scientific lens on the film’s antics.
What to expect from the movie and the scientific chat
The chosen film follows two best friends as they return to their hometown for a high-school reunion, navigating old cliques, lingering insecurities, and the awkward politics of adulthood. FeldmanHall, a professor of Cognitive and Psychological Sciences will unpack the psychology behind friendship dynamics, the role of gossip in shaping group identity, and even the surprising origin story of the Post-It note—an in-film reference that ties directly to her work. Attendees can anticipate a blend of humor and insight that mirrors the everyday puzzles tackled in the Love Letters column.
How to win a pair of tickets
Two lucky readers will receive a complimentary pair of tickets for the event. To enter, visitors must submit an anonymous relationship question through the dedicated form at /LoveLetters by 10 a.m. on Sept. 17. Submissions should include brief context—age range, the core dilemma, and any relevant details—so the editorial team can craft a thoughtful response. Winners will be invited to bring a guest of their choosing.
Tell-A-Booth finds a new home at Time Out Market
After a successful run at the Boston Public Library—where, between Feb. 12 and Aug. 31, the booth logged more than 3,000 calls— the Tell-A-Booth has moved to the bustling Time Out Market Boston near Fenway Park. The sleek phone-booth, originally designed by American Repertory Theater set designer Luke Van Cleve, remains free and completely anonymous. Its new location is intended to capture the city’s diverse crowd, from post-game fans to lunchtime diners, offering anyone a private outlet for friendship woes, romantic quandaries, or workplace crushes.
Recent advice highlights
Among the latest letters, a writer revisits a 2022 confession about an unspoken crush on a long-distance friend. The column advises that keeping feelings secret is permissible, but suggests a written confession if oral honesty feels impossible, noting that lingering unexpressed emotions can hinder future relationships. In a separate case, a roommate shares frustration after housing a friend and their partner for over a year, only to feel sidelined as the couple moves on. The response frames the situation as a blurred line between friendship and tenancy, recommends a candid conversation about expectations, and encourages the writer to reclaim personal space once the living arrangement ends.
Both examples underscore the column’s core mission: to turn personal turbulence into shared understanding, whether through a 30-minute podcast, a live film discussion, or a simple call from an anonymous booth. As Boston readers tune in for the Sept. 23 event or drop by the Time Out Market, they’ll find a community that listens, learns, and, occasionally, laughs at the messy science of human connection.
