When you find that cheesy, genuine, "Sorry my breath smells, I haven't brushed my teeth yet" kind of love, you know you've hit the jackpot. I have basically starred in a romantic comedy for most of my life–not in the lead role, but more of an "extra", if you know what I mean.

My parents have been married for 27 years and I have been able to see first hand what true love is like. Many girls start fantasizing at a young age about finding their "prince charming" and living happily ever after, but I didn't grow up that way. I was raised by two unique parents that honestly could not be more opposite from each other. My mother is extremely shy, but compassion runs through every inch of her body. She is loving, patient and extremely cheesy. Trust has to be earned with her, and her intuitions are always spot on.

My father, on the other hand, is a little rougher. With him, things are very blunt and patience is definitely not one of his better qualities, but his love for people radiates off of him. His sense of humor and love for others are some of his greatest qualities. He builds relationships very quickly and always focuses on the good in people. Both of my parents are extremely selfless and have always been the ones to put others before themselves. I grew up watching these two people merge together and balance each other out with the different qualities they brought to the table. The love they share is something that has influenced my outlook on relationships. For me, love is raw, fun and genuine–not fairy-tale style.

Growing up, my parents were always very open and honest with us. When they argued, it was never a huge deal and it was never a secret. After they both took a breather, they were able to think things through, sit down, and talk it out by the end of the day. Sure, there were plenty of backhanded compliments hurled across dinner tables, but the love they share is so much stronger than any bump in the road they have experienced.

From the, "Ew, don't touch me until you shower, you smell" comments, to the "Yes honey, those jeans do make you look fat" comments, my parents have shown me that love is not dull or scripted–it's genuine and quite funny, actually. That type of love when you roll over in the morning and she's sprawled out across the bed resembling Shrek a little bit, but you kiss her good morning anyway–that's the love I want.

For me love isn't the basic fairy-tale story: the man saves the woman and they live happily ever after. For me, love is raw. It's silly and can bring out parts of yourself that you didn't know existed. It's sarcastic, sassy and sharp. It's real. Love has no age, no distance, no limit. Why wouldn't you want to be with someone who makes you laugh so hard your stomach hurts, someone who brings light to your dark days, and someone who genuinely loves you more than they could ever put into words? I don't know...maybe it's just me, but that sounds like the perfect way to spend the rest of your life.