I admit Jerry Springer isn’t the soundest purveyor of wisdom, but my parents’ relationship reinforces those (considering the content of his show, ultra-ironic) words he offered at every episode’s end: “Take care of yourself…and each other.”
As parents, my mom and dad are so selfless and invested, I think as spouses they often lack the emotional energy for themselves or their relationship. Here’s hoping the new empty-nesters can follow Sage Springer’s advice, even more apropos because my dad’s name is JE-RRY, JE-RRY, JE-RRY.
I asked readers, “What did your parents teach you about love?” Here’s what they said:
1. Being a good listener is the best way to show someone you love them.
2. Love is work, not an emotion. But just because it's work doesn't mean it isn't a lot of fun.
3. My dad always said to look at the way a boy treats his mother and you'll see exactly (well, almost exactly) how he'll treat you.
4. It's not like in the movies.
5. Indeed, love is patient. But love is also very silly and enjoys giggling.
6. We are imperfect beings. Why should we expect love to be perfect?
7. My dad taught me dependence, and my mom taught me independence. Thankfully, she had a much larger influence over my life than he did. Mom always told me to love myself first.
8. Having separate hobbies and activities is important because personal time is a necessity for surviving life.
9. Love is not an experience; it is a process of growth.
10. My mom, out of bitterness, told me that love is not enough for a marriage.
11. Put your marriage first—before your children—because a strong marriage is the foundation for raising a happy family.
12. Trust and love are synonymous.
13. Don't get pregnant.
14. Women are always right. And I'm right about her being right, so I also win.
14 Things Our Parents Taught Us About Love