Past Loves

Among the last taboos in American romance: past loves, and talking about them with current lovers, partners, husbands, wives.

The one who got away, with those gentle eyes and perfect lips? We don’t want to hear about it. That summer fling that changed you when you were seventeen? We’re still afraid to tell.

My guests today say we shouldn’t be. In an era of divorce, multiple marriages, long lives, lost partners and remarriage, we’ve all got romantic history, they say. Whole hearts, real intimacy, they say, require sharing.

Hmmm.

This hour, On Point: If only I could tell you. Old loves and new relationships.

You can join the conversation. Pandora's box? Or the honest way to intimacy? Are humans built to handle this conversation? Share your thoughts.Guests:

Joining us from Montpelier, Vermont, are Kate Harper and Leon Marasco. They’ve been married for the past thirteen years, and they’re co-authors of the book "If Only I Could Tell You: Where Past Loves and Current Intimacy Meet." Their website features an excerpt from the book.

And with us in our studio is Patricia Rogers, a psychotherapist in private practice. She’s counseled individuals, couples and families for over 20 years.