LOVE IS A HOOT

Readers share the most clever, hilarious and moving ways someone has let them know they're loved

Pumpkin Proposal 

My boyfriend and I were carving pumpkins. After carving a lid, I found that mine was already hollowed out with a diamond ring inside. I was thrilled at his proposal and flummoxed as to how he pulled off placing the ring box in my seemingly untouched pumpkin. Years later, pumpkin carving remains a favorite-and my husband's trick a mystery.

-BRENDA WALSH Avon, OH

"Harleyville" You Too

My husband and I try to maintain a sense of humor about our shortcomings, like his refusal to admit he has a hearing problem. While driving along the highway one day, I read a roadside exit aloud: "Harleyville." He turned to me and said, "I love you too." It's become an inside joke between us-instead of "I love you" we just say "Harleyville"!

-ALYCE DASSING Elkridge, MD

Holding Each Other Up

My boyfriend, Dean, had a stroke at age 47. He needed therapy to use his arm and leg again. He was tired and depressed, but I encouraged him. One day, he stumbled while we walked down the hallway. I helped him straighten up and we continued. He sagged again, but I wouldn't let him fall. The more he seemed to be sliding down, the more resolved I was to help. Finally, he said, "Will you please stop holding me up? I'm trying to get on one knee and ask you to marry me." We've been married for 11 years.

-AMIEE MINGUS Berlin Heights, OH

Cutting the Mustard