It's not a coincidence one of the catchiest slogans of the year became "love trumps hate." Used millions of times at peaceful protests, in passionate posts, and on the campaign trail, it became synonymous with happy, simple, just things that, at any other time, would probably go unnoticed but in 2016, well, we all needed them, OK? By the end of the nastiest presidential race in history, not to mention the fallout thereof, these acts of kindness and sweet moments have become some of the most shared viral moments of the year, regardless of if they were linked to politics.
1. When John Legend released the "Love Me Now" video, a tribute to his gorgeous family
In case you were unsure if the Teigen-Legend family was perfect enough (too perfect, even), this confirmed it. Both the song and the video manage to be simultaneously uplifting and heart-wrenching, making this one of the most perfect ways to round out the year.
2. When a bachelor group came to party and left with a litter of abandoned puppies
Mitchel Craddock and his seven groomsmen were celebrating his upcoming nuptials with a weekend in some Tennessee woods in October when they were approached by a mama pup who led them to her starving litter (also of seven!). The men each went home with a dog, adopting the dogs themselves or passing the pups onto a family member. This is the only bachelor party I'd ever want to be invited to. So sweet. Help.
3. When Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna made it
Arguably the best example of love trumping adversity to ever exist.
4. When Texas College women protested campus open-carry policies with dildos
Aptly named Cocks Not Glocks, the movement, founded by UT Austin alumna Jessica Jin, brought together the biggest anti-gun rally Texas had ever seen. Women (and men) began visibly carrying dildos of all shapes, sizes, and colors as a response to their gun-toting classmates.
5. When kids wrote thank you notes to Hillary Clinton after her devastating loss
For days and weeks, children and their families continued to chalk the Brooklyn sidewalks with all sorts of messages, all of them thanking Clinton for her service, many of them simply reading "LOVE TRUMPS HATE." Many more left similar signs on the corner of Clinton's street at home in Chappaqua, New York, the week of Thanksgiving.
6. When a 12-year-old boy halted an anti-gay mob of protestors
After he stood in front of thousands of people marching to oppose the legalization of gay marriage in Mexico on September 10, the unnamed boy told a local paper he'd done it because "[he has] an uncle that is gay, and [he doesn't] like people hating him."
7. When this dog's favorite toy came to life
Do you remember where you were when you first watched the great Jolene Gumby Video of 2016? You always will. Shit's iconic.
