Over dinner in the 1980s, Trenna told Greg Mahney about her genetic condition which meant she only had years to live. He decided he wanted to spend whatever time she had left together

When Steve Roberts called Barbro to invite himself to Sweden, he felt he had something to offer. She said no. But just after midnight, she reconsidered

A bus, a train, a plane – in her early 20s, Debra Oswald made an urgent dash from Canberra to Sydney to cement her relationship with a man she loved.

Neither Erin Riley nor Merryn considered themselves the type of people who get married, but as their love blossomed on nights out together, something changed

On a Buffy the Vampire Slayer online fan forum, Roz Bellamy and Rachel annoyed the moderators with their quick-fire repartee. When they met, it was like a real-life Willow and Tara

The electrician sent to Sue Attar’s apartment wasn’t her usual type – but he had a romantic character all his own

When Amy Lovat first met Laura, it didn’t take long for romance to bloom. But actually articulating her feelings was a different question entirely

At first Madison Griffiths was reluctant to accept the support of the man with whom she shared her pregnancy. But his ‘abortion antidotes’ helped them imagine a future together.

After a flurry of communications over a dating platform, Berndt Sellheim was falling in love with a mystery woman – after her profile vanished, he discovered she was Tara Moss

As an observant Muslim, Zeynab Gamieldien understood marriage was always the endgame. But when she met Ovi, she was surprised at how quickly it all fell into place

When she spied a stunning stranger at a dance performance, it was love at first sight for Roslyn Orlando. Years later, that woman would reappear – and upend her life.

When Margaret Paxton-Rolfe met David, they were both in their 70s and grieving the loss of their spouses. But a mutual love of dogs – and an exchange of poetic emails – set the foundations for a new life together

After surviving a skydiving accident, Brad Guy was rebuilding his body and mind. When he met Paul, he felt an immediate intimacy

During a camping trip Salamawit Meckonen felt an inexplicable pull to Stu. Now, after his death, she keeps their connection alive through space and time

International students Vidya Madabushi and Jason shared a love of Scrabble and good poetry. After they broke up, Vidya took a last-chance shot at their relationship

The fear of losing not one but two best friends meant Nicholas Jordan denied his feelings for Alice. But a return trip from the beach changed his mind

Linda Marigliano and Magnus had lives on opposite sides of the world. But when he passed the ‘meet the parents’ lunch with flying colours, she felt despair – and delight – on the eve of his departure.

Although they lived in different cities, Justin Coulson couldn’t stop thinking – or talking – about Kylie. Then during a late-night call, he had a revelation.

When Nina Wan found herself drifting apart from her husband, art came to imitate life – reminding her of what was real