In my life, my parents have shown my siblings and I so much love, but they also have not forgotten to show each other love. The dynamic duo's devotion to each other is obvious, and I have been so grateful to have such a great example of true love in my parents' marriage. Here are a few things that my parents' love taught me about love.
It is not always perfect.
But it should feel like it is more than it feels like it's not. Of course, fights and arguments happen, because life happens. But if your happiness does not outweigh the disappointment, frustration, and sadness you feel in the relationship, take some time to see if that relationship is what is best for you.
People will always have an opinion.
My parents got married when they were each 21. They didn't know each other for years, and in fact had met each other just a few months prior to becoming engaged. Being young and in a new relationship, there were many people who didn't approve of the marriage or thought it was absurd. My parents cared about each other so much though, and decided what they had was worth it and pursued their future together. They have made me understand that what people say or think truly does not matter, because no matter what you do, someone is always going to have something to say about it.
It is a journey.
Love, like anything in life, takes time and trials. It will not develop over night, and sometimes things change, and not in the direction you want. My parents have shown me that despite the plans you have and hope will happen, sometimes God has other things planned for you and life happens different than how you expected it would. They have shown me that through it all, the trials and tribulations, life is a journey that you travel with the one you love. Some things are just out of your control, and you have to find the one you really love to have by your side in everything.
Love is fun.
In our society, as time goes on, marriage tends to become solely habitual and seen as a drag, rather than something to enjoy each and every day. My mom and dad have taught me that love is and should always be fun. There's no deadline on when you can be silly with each other, spoil and surprise each other, or care for each other. Love is for life, and they have shown me that they are in it for the long run, because how could they have that much fun with anyone else?
Honesty is so important.
In a relationship, you can't hold in things that are bothering you and you can't deny your feelings. Being truthful and open about your thoughts and emotions lessens so many possible arguments and strengthens a relationship overall. My parents taught this to my siblings and I as we were growing up, and have continued to instill the strong sense of honesty and integrity in each of us as we are becoming our own adults.
My parents are a shining example to my family of how true love exists and is successful. Over 25 years later, my parents have never stopped loving each other. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for showing me how to love, and all these lessons about love.
