You may have heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” But what do you do when life gives you tangerine?
Tangerines are sweeter, softer, and a bit fragile—just like the people who care for us most: our parents.
Recently, the K-drama “When Life Gives You Tangerine” presented us with a narrative that touched the lives of millions, particularly Episode 12. That scene—when the father and mother, finally laid eyes on their daughter after so long and their faces lit up, despite their exhausted body and worn-out clothes—hit like a heart punch.That whole episode made me feel a lot about my parents and how i treat them sometimes ( I’m not the perfect daughter, Yk) , and hopefully you feel like that too, so stop & think.
Are we truly seeing our parents?
They Give More Than They Can Afford—But Never Complain
The typical parent doesn’t get enough sleep, doesn’t eat at regular times, and postpones their dreams—just to give you a shot at yours.
They’ll say they’re not hungry, when only one piece of cake is left. They’ll say they don’t feel like sleeping after working two jobs. They’ll still smile, even while they’re breaking inside (I think, adulting is similar in this sense too). When life gives them tangerine moments—small, sweet breaks—they never take them for themselves. They use them to make you happy.
We tend to measure love in words, gifts, or messages. But the parent’s love is measured in sacrifices others do not notice.
One More Thing Kids Should Know…
You don’t have to fully understand your parents to appreciate them. They were raised in a different time. But their hearts, like yours, beat for the same reasons—for love, for connection, for family.
You may never know all the sacrifices that were made on your behalf. But you can decide to see the ones you do, and acknowledge them. And maybe… that’s more than enough.
Have you ever experienced a “When life gives you tangerine” moment with your parents—something little, cozy, but lasting?………Tell your story in the comments. I’m all ears.