When I was told that I had to have an article in tonight, I panicked. I had classes all day, a long drive home, and didn’t have time to stare at a blank computer screen for hours like I usually do. Then my dad walked in the door and put his arms around my mom. It’s something I’ve seen millions of times. So ordinary that I typically don’t even notice or acknowledge it, until now when I realized that I probably should.

Now I’m no relationship expert by any means and it’s no secret that I hate romance, PDA, and mushy-gushy love stories, but my mom and dad make it hard for me not to believe in love. I like watching their love story. So after 21 years of taking their relationship for granted and gagging every time they kiss, let me take a second to appreciate it and share some of the things that they don’t even know they’ve taught me about love.

• Make fun of each other.
• Don’t always take everything so seriously.
• Call each other out.
• Go on dates.
• Share friends.
• Argue and get over it.
• Understand she’s always right.
• Tell her that she’s always right.
• Divide the housework.
• Take each other’s side.
• Compliment each other.
• Notice and appreciate the little things.
• Know when to just shut up.
• Help each other.
• Sacrifice.
• You win some and you lose some.
• Take turns being the bad guy.
• Listen to each other. At least pretend.
• Pick up on little hints (like when they want something).
• Share the cooking.
• Keep in touch throughout the day but not too much (don’t call him twelve times mom).
• Always say I love you.
• Start and watch a show together.
• Take turns doing laundry.
• Grocery shop together.

Thanks mom and dad for showing me what real love looks like. You’re nowhere near perfect, but I hope my future looks a lot like your life now.

Xoxo,

Your new favorite daughter