a little extra love

learning to love more when they love quietly

Sometimes, love sneaks in quietly like the smell of your mom’s cooking after a long day or the way your dad silently leaves the last piece of chocolate for you. It’s in the small things, those moments when parents do something unexpectedly kind or soft or warm. And suddenly, your heart stretches just a little more, like it’s growing arms to hug them tighter.

Maybe they bring you a cup of chai without asking. Maybe they stand up for you when you mess up. Maybe they remember your favorite song from five years ago and hum it like it's nothing but to you, it’s everything. And in those moments, you realize that the love you already felt just got a glow-up.

It’s a rush, really. Like a cozy blanket was thrown over your soul. You feel safe, you feel seen, and even if you don’t say it out loud, you love them a little extra. Not because you didn’t before, but because now it shines even brighter.

Love feels like a deep breath on a peaceful night. Like being held without being touched. And when your parents show up for you, not with grand gestures but with quiet care, that love blooms. So maybe, just maybe, we hug them longer. Say thank you more. Love them a bit louder when they love us a bit softer.

Because feeling loved? That’s beautiful. But loving back? That’s where the heart really learns to sing.