I think having loving parents made finding love harder for me.

I think having loving parents made finding love harder for me.

I don't say that as a brag. I was lucky. I grew up surrounded by unconditional love.

Dad knew Mom was a lazy eater. He bought all the groceries -- and always came back with fresh fruit. He'd peel, cut and leave a plate for Mom. If we had shrimp, he'd peel them for her before eating any himself. She never asked him to.

Mom asked him to do the dishes sometimes. He always missed a few spots and got scolded for it. He never raised his voice or got upset.

Dad trusted Mom too. She handled the family finances -- managed the accounts, paid the bills, made sure we were saving. Dad worked hard so the paychecks came in. But at home, Mom ran the show.

I never heard my parents say "I love you" -- they showed it in actions and sacrifices, one small task at a time. That's the family I grew up in. I thought all families were like mine.

Then I grew up and started dating -- and realized not everyone loves this way.

I asked Mom about it once. She said, "Times are different now -- more responsibilities, more pressure. You have to think about yourself more. Back then, life was simpler. Nobody had much money. So you just did the best you could with what you had."

Maybe she's right. There's just more to think about now.

When I'm with someone, I instinctively peel fruit and shrimp for them -- just like Dad did for Mom. And I hope someday to find the kind of love and trust they had.

So I keep looking.