The Art of Caring | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

The Art of Caring

Unspoken Words...

337
The Art of Caring
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2018/04/28/636605010183630764617224782_Screen%20Shot%202018-04-28%20at%204.28.21%20AM.png

I honestly was struggling with a title that somehow included the word ‘caring’ so yes, this title might sound like ‘the art of getting by’ however, the concept is different.

I always used to believe in order for someone to care, they had to somehow physically show it. That way involved actually saying the words “I care about you.” But now at the (wise, if I may say) age of 22, I realize how wrong this mindset is.

For the most part, caring about someone literally has zero to do with how often you say it. The words “I care about you” can even be used to shut someone up just so you don’t have to hear them go on about why you don’t care.

Caring is about the things unsaid. It’s in the “dude don’t even worry about this right now” text or someone actually remembering something you told them a few days ago. Personally, when someone does remember, I’m the one confused because I completely forget it was something I told.

The random memories we have of one another that make us laugh out loud in a public place. It’s seeing something at Target and thinking “he/she would love this.” It’s not skipping through the 30 second commercials asking for donations for orphaned children in foreign countries. It’s sitting there and listening to your mom or dad rant about something even if you aren’t paying attention.

When you find yourself feeling guilty about certain things, it’s not only because you have a conscience, but because you care.

Every single person shows care in their own way. This is something I started to understand not too long ago. I remember when I was sick, my dad didn’t come to see me when I was in a coma or attached to random machines. I think I saw him twice the whole time I was in the hospital. I do remember being angry about this for the months that followed when I came home. I didn’t understand how he just couldn’t care about me.

Eventually when I started getting better, my previous illness came up at the dinner table. All of us would try our best to talk about the funny moments from the hospital, maybe to erase the traumatic ones. My dad was laughing along with us and it slowly got quiet. During this silence I noticed he had tears in his eyes.

“Those months were the hardest. I know you guys are laughing, but that wasn’t a joke. That time was so hard, man. I think about it and I just...”

In that moment, any anger I thought I had left me. That entire time I thought he didn’t come because he didn’t care. He didn’t come because he cared. Seeing your own child not being able to breathe on their own has to be one of the hardest things for any parent to witness. He cared for me by still waking up everyday and going to work, not knowing what news he would receive once he got home. He cared by staying away from me while I was in the ICU so his sadness would not overwhelm me. He cared, he’s always cared.

So you see, the way we show care can be through simply anything. Of course, as humans we all want to actually hear it once in a while, myself included.

But isn’t there supposed to be a beauty behind certain words unspoken?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

510
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

319
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199265
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20309
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments