Readers of Modern Love may want a good story, but they’re also hungry for advice that can help them navigate the baffling world of relationships. Every year, our most popular essays offer lessons on how to find love or keep it — tips, rules and surprising strategies.

This year’s most-read columns delivered wisdom about living with a slob, exposing your vulnerabilities, finding the silver lining in breakups and more. Here’s a sampling of what they seem to suggest, whether subtly or directly, humorously or tragically. May you be a better partner, spouse, parent or friend in 2018.