My parents' divorce taught me a lot about love and relationships. It taught me small things that hold great meaning, and even bigger things that hold an even greater meaning now. I have learned a lot from the past eighteen years, consisting of what love is and could be, and what makes a healthy relationship different from an unhealthy relationship. Relationships with a significant other are composed of multiple characteristics and qualities, that may take time to learn and may differ in importance between people.

Sometimes love can be tricky and take time, so my parents taught me patience and how important it is not to rush something great. My parents got married at a fairly young age, which may be a fit for some people, but was not the right fit for my parents. My biggest fear about being in a relationship is when you get so far in and find out that person is not meant for you; however, I would rather find that out dating for a while, rather than being married and having to file for divorce. Now, I am not saying divorce is wrong or bad, but it is beneficial in a majority of situations, it just takes a strain on not only the two of you but two families that have grown to love and be familiar with each other.

Going through a healthy divorce takes tremendous strength.

Going through separation from a person you have grown close with will never be easy or get easier to do. Watching my parents undergo this process has taught me to be strong and to leave an unhealthy relationship no matter how much I want to stay. That I have to be strong and have enough self-respect for myself in order to leave. That you need to do what is best for you and doing that will lead you to a healthy and better relationship in the future.

My parents have taught me how to not be selfish. I am glad I can say that my parents are friends to this day and can still be in the same room with one another. I know a lot of children of divorced parents who cannot say this statement above. Since my parents are friends, it has taught me not to be selfish. That you need to think about others needs before your own at specific times. Which, not to mention being selfless is a key characteristic in a healthy relationship.

Forgiveness and acceptance are huge roles and influencers in healthy relationships. Forgiveness is something my parents have taught me through their divorce; however, there is a point where forgiveness is not enough anymore and when it gets to that point in a relationship it is time to leave it. At the same time, acceptance of a person from their wrongdoings and mistakes, to their best version of themselves illustrates what love truly is and composed of.

Love is something that is hard to find and often taken advantage of. It is composed of many qualities and characteristics that shape a feeling that cannot be matched in this world. If anything, my parents' divorce has shown that someone will always love you, that there is not just one person that was meant for loving you. It takes time and error, it takes love and broken hearts to find the one you are meant to be with. There is always someone out there meant to love you, it may just take a couple of heartaches to find who.