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.
Yk, You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Make Your Parents Smile
Here’s something we tend to forget: parents don’t need fancy gifts. They don’t want grand gestures.
You know what they actually want?
- A call, simply to ask, “Did you eat?”
- Doing the dishes without being asked to.
- Being with them, silently by just sitting there. or by making them laugh.
- A random “Thank you” on a normal day.
You don’t need to wait for Father’s Day or Mother’s Day to show love. Your daily words, your smile when you come home, or even helping them in their phone settings (without being irritated)—these are your tangerines.
The Strength We Overlook Every Day
Let’s be honest. As kids, we often think our parents are boring, strict, or outdated. We roll our eyes when they ask too many questions, or when they get emotional watching us leave for college or work.
But let me tell you a story.
A father works as a delivery man. His shoes are torn, his phone is cracked, and his lunchbox is often empty. One day, after a long shift, he rides his bike home under pouring rain. His daughter, unaware, complains about not having the latest phone. The father silently places his wet bag down and cooks her dinner.
That father exists in many forms. Sometimes as your mom with aching feet. Sometimes as your dad sitting quietly after a long day. They don’t ask for recognition—but they deserve it. Because when life gives you tangerine moments, their first thought is always you.
Saying 'Thank You' Can Heal Both Hearts
There’s a reason why therapists these days are all about expressing gratitude.
Saying “thank you” is not just being polite. It’s an emotional therapy—on you and your parents’ part. It’s a sign of appreciation. It makes them feel noticed.
Age doesn’t matter. When life presents you with tangerine, don’t hold it for yourself. Share that warmth.
Why This K-Drama Changed Everything for So Many
When Life Gives You Tangerine is not only a show. It’s a reflection.
It made us remember how precious and beautiful it is to have someone wait for you at home—even if they’re struggling themselves. That whole episode, shows a lots of emotions. It made us remember that parents don’t stop loving, no matter how far you go. So don’t wait for a drama to remind you. Make your own moments now.
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.
