SerpApi.Org
Recently, this BuzzFeed article compiled the answers of people "who grew up in emotionally healthy families" who were asked to share "something you thought was normal growing up that you now realize was actually very special." In response, even more people shared their experiences, and the results were so wholesome and such a positive read that I thought they had to be shared. So, here are some of the best:
1."My mom told me she always loved me, even when we fought. That's unconditional love. ❤️"
2."My dad was an artist. I would get notes in my lunchbox with different cartoons telling me to have a good day."
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3."My mom used to read books to the whole family in the evenings. I heard many Zane Grey books, Arabian Nights, Little Women, and many, many others. My family still loves to read 70 years later."
4."I’m probably going to cry typing this. My dad died 13 years ago, and my mom died in September of this year, but with four kids, I never heard them complain about being too tired. My dad owned a drugstore and worked six days a week. But when I got to junior high and high school and made the basketball team, he would come home at night, eat dinner, then drive me back down to the store and help me practice my layups. He had installed a basketball hoop in the back of his drugstore."
5."My dad used to make me 'help' him when he was working on the car. I realize now that it took him twice as long to do the job with my 'help,' but I learned to fix things because of it."
6."My parents did their utmost to support any interests I had: ballet, duck hunting, rock hounding, camping, drill team, on and on. In particular, my dad didn't think that because I was a girl I shouldn't learn 'guy' things. Their unflagging support made me into the woman I am, independent, caring, and the ability to look back on a childhood and adult life well-lived."
7."My dad had six boys older than me and took them to rare and milk cattle. When I was 5, I remember him bringing me along, teaching me how to milk and care for the cows. In my part of the world, no one did that with their daughters. This was his way of saying that I can do anything I want. ❤️"
8."My mom would sometimes let me stay home from school if she suspected I just needed a break. We call them 'mental health days,' and I do them now with my kid."
9."Whenever my mom and I would argue before I went to bed, she always taped a note on my bedroom door that said, 'This too will come to pass,' with a little smiley face, so when I woke up, I would see it. That always made me feel loved and totally erased any tension. I still carry on that tradition to this day with my own family."
—Anonymous
10."My house growing up was THE house everyone came to. Think the Foremans on That '70s Show. Both my brother and I had friends over all the time, and they were always welcome. Our door was always open, and my parents were involved in everything we did. I want to make my home this way for my boys as they grow."
11."My parents didn’t teach 'stranger danger.' Rather, that everyone was part of our community, and it would most likely be a stranger who helps you one day. And that you should help strangers when you can."
—Anonymous, 52, Richmond, California
12."As we grew older, we were able to make decisions. They might say, 'That wouldn’t be my choice, but it is your decision.' If it worked out, they were quick to congratulate and encourage us. If it didn’t work out, they were there for support, but never once did I hear, 'I told you so!' What a great gift this was."
13."They never fought in front of me. My husband had always seen his parents fight. It was a shift to see both perspectives."
—Anonymous
14."My mom would send herself to her room if a discussion was getting heated; she would excuse herself since she needed to be calm, and then would come back 10 or 15 minutes later."
15."My mom and dad never gossiped about anyone. I wasn’t raised with prejudices. I so appreciate that."
—Anonymous, 70, Columbus, Ohio
16."My parents didn't do everything perfectly, but my siblings and I always knew we were loved. Both my parents said 'I love you' daily, and were generous with hugs and cuddles. My mom, especially, is a deeply compassionate person, and her children are her life. When I was a teenager, I began having severe anxiety and panic attacks. My mom once drove me to work and then sat in her car in the parking lot for my entire shift! She knew having her there made me feel more at ease, especially if I started having another attack. There are so many examples of her being an amazing human and mom."
17."Taught us to be ourselves and not worry about what other people thought! Be true to thine own self!"
—Anonymous
18."Always being inclusive, ***-positive, and open-minded. They never presumed I would be heterosexual, but left all options open when they asked about a possible crush. They calmly explained HIV and AIDS, how terrible the prejudices around those illnesses were, and how to practice safer *** (and safe drug use, though they very firmly advised against it)."
19."My mom always used to buy us gifts for Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, St. Patrick's Day, and other minor holidays. Sometimes it was stickers, socks, or a game, but she always included us."
Tell me all your thoughts in the comments below! Or, even better, tell me something positive your own parent(s) did for you that you've come to realize was very special. I love reading these!
If you want to write in but prefer to remain anonymous, you can use this anonymous form. Who knows — your comment could be included in a future BuzzFeed article!
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