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101 Deep Questions to Ask Your Partner, Boyfriend, or Girlfriend

How well do you know your partner? We don't just mean their favorite color or movie, but really know them. Beyond daily habits and favorite things, have you ever asked the deep questions? Or serious questions that truly matter? Their likes, dislikes, trauma, regrets, passions, dreams and greatest desires. RELATED: Do the 36 Questions That Lead to Love Really Work? These are not meant to undermine your relationship. An honest discussion will benefit you in many ways: Build deeper trust and understanding to get through not only the good times, but also the bad ones. It's a fun (even if it can get heavy sometimes) way to strengthen your bond. It allows you to be vulnerable and learn more about yourself. It encourages active and emphatic listening, which tends to reveal a lot about your partner's character and values. Overall, it's a great opportunity to learn more about your partner, their past, and visions for the future. Asking the right question at the right time can help us realize breakthroughs in many important areas of life, from finding out what we want to do with our life to improving personal relationships. How well do you know your partner? Discover Deeper Connection with Your Partner! Uncover the Secrets of Love and Intimacy with this Couples Card Game Communication will bring understanding and understanding will cause harmonious mutual relationships which can establish peace and stability. – Lobsang Tenzin The Power of Deep Questions in Every Relationship RELATED: How Soon Is Too Soon to Move In? The 5 Most Important Questions to Answer Understanding is the gateway to compassion and love, and questions allow us to obtain that necessary level of understanding, helping us learn why our partner behaves or thinks a certain way. Looking for meaningful questions to deepen your relationship? Here are 101 conversation starters to help you and your partner connect on a more intimate level. Couples Should Have Deeper Conversation about Life1. What’s something you’re glad you’ll never have to do again? When it comes to getting to know your partner on a more meaningful level, it really helps to build an understanding of any experiences they’d like to avoid — and why. Knowing the answers to these questions can be stress-relieving, or help to circumvent awkward situations, as well as cultivate empathy and a deeper understanding of their character. 2. What’s one thing you always procrastinate on?3. What would you do with your life if you were suddenly awarded a billion dollars? While winning a billion dollars is highly unlikely, anything is possible. What this question really reveals is more than their dream vacation, or how they would spend almost unlimited wealth. It reveals where your partner’s priorities lie when the usual obstacles and impediments are removed, and what their biggest dreams will be — the ones they’d like to pursue in their heart of hearts. 4. What should a healthy relationship provide for the people in it? Relationship questions like this one are rather crucial to your expectations and theirs, and can be very helpful in determining whether your relationship needs and goals are aligned or not. If they’re not, you may find there is common ground enough to come together anyway — but knowing comes first. 5. Do you believe everything happens for a reason, or do we just find reasons after things happen?6. Is there anything you consider absolutely unforgivable? If your partner has a deal-breaker associated with unforgivable acts, it doesn’t hurt to know what it is so you can be sure that it doesn’t conflict with any of your unforgivable end zones. Plus, if you disagree on what’s forgivable, that’s worth discussing. 7. If you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do first?8. In your life, what has been the biggest blessing in disguise? This is a great way to understand how your partner’s mind works — how they put things in perspective for themselves, and how they process ‘positive’ vs ‘negative’ forces in their lives. 9. If you could pick one year of your life to do-over, which would it be and why? 10. What is one behavior that you never tolerate? Your partner may not tolerate clutter or messiness in their home, or they may not like the idea of having friends over late into the night. It's worth comparing and contrasting which behaviors you find acceptable and which you can’t stand. How else will you know if you’re well-aligned? 11. If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in only three words?12. What is the one thing that makes you feel alive? Whether it’s mountain climbing, skydiving, performing in front of an audience, traveling to new places, or simply being creative on a regular basis, it’s worth knowing what gets your partner’s juices flowing. Because arguably, feeling alive is everything! 13. What would your perfect day look like? Not only can this question help you plan the perfect surprise birthday itinerary, but it can teach you a ton about how your partner likes to unwind and have fun — always useful information! 14. Do you usually follow your head or your heart when making decisions? Contrary to surface-level understandings, "heart people" can be highly compatible with "head people," even helping to balance one another out, so don’t worry about their answer being different than yours, or being overly emotional compared to them. Also, don’t get stuck on black-or-white answers, as these things never are. 15. What is something that never ends well? It prompts discussion about experiences or situations that consistently have negative outcomes. It can reveal patterns to avoid, and potentially add some humor about mistakes to avoid. 16. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?Romantic Questions: Thinking about Your Relationship These are not just random questions to ask your boyfriend or partner. In real life, knowing how they want to spend date night, what the most attractive quality they find in others is, or what their favorite romantic movie is can seem like a silly thing to want to know at first. RELATED: 3 Ways to Beat Relationship Boredom However, they are also interesting questions that reveal much about compatibility, and the sort of romantic things and experiences they want in their lives. 1. What did you think when you first met me? If you haven’t discussed your first impressions of one another, there’s really no time like the present. The answer to this question might be amusing; it might also be romantic. One thing's for sure, it’ll give you an insider's view on the path your partner traveled to choosing you. 2. What about our relationship makes you really happy? Best case scenario: you gain a deeper understanding of what your partner appreciates about you, which can serve as a wonderful anchor in your relationship. Not to mention, regularly communicating what you appreciate about one another is the stuff of strong relationships. 3. If you had one word to describe our relationship what would it be?4. What’s your biggest fear for this relationship? Relationship anxiety is extraordinarily common, but there’s no antidote to this particular brand of fear like talking it through with an empathetic partner. Relationship fear is often based on past experiences, and once they’re out in the open, they have a greater chance of dissipating. 5. What’s one difference between us that you absolutely love? They say opposites attract, and while this is certainly not always the case, having palpable differences is often a source of interest, intrigue and attraction between partners. Why not get some positive feedback on being yourself? 6. What’s one similarity between us that you absolutely love?7. What about me (outside of a physical feature) made you fall in love? If you’re in love, and the feeling is mutual, this is a question that can only feed your mutual affection and appreciation for one another — so don’t be afraid to ask. 8. What’s your favorite memory of us? It's a reflective question that opens up emotional connection and at the same time helps you understand what your partner values most about your relationship. 9. What’s one thing you want to do together that we’ve never done before? This question is perfectly suited to laying sprawled out in a field of flowers, visioning for the long-term with your significant other. It’s really healthy to want to share certain experiences (be it singing a duet at an open mic, entering a marathon, or buying real estate). And it’s even healthier to express it! 10. Where is your favorite place to be with me?11. What’s one thing you’re scared to ask me, but really want to know the answer to? These types of boyfriend questions are important: If your partner actually has an answer to this one, chances are you’ll want to ask the question. Better to get everything out in the open sooner than later. It may end up being an opportunity to hear the hardest truth, but one that strengthens the relationship over the long term. 12. What’s one thing you feel our relationship is lacking? It's a constructive but honest question. Feel free to ask it only when you are both ready for feedback so you can identify unmet needs or areas for growth. 13. What’s your favorite non-physical quality about me? Attraction is often based at least in part on physical traits, particularly at the beginning of a relationship. But if your relationship is a strong one, there is surely more to your bond than looks. Hearing all the other things that fuel your partner’s attraction can be really refreshing, enlightening, even. 14. If our relationship ended, what’s the one thing about it you’d miss the most?15. What do you think was your most vulnerable moment in our relationship? Staying honest (and therefore vulnerable) is integral to any successful relationship. What better way to achieve this than to talk about moments of authentic vulnerability without judgment? 16. What’s one secret you’ve wanted to tell me, but haven’t?17. What’s your favorite way to receive affection? Different people have different love languages, from physical touch, to words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, and acts of service. There’s no better way to give and receive affection than by speaking each other’s language. 18. What’s one thing you think makes our relationship unique from everyone else’s?19. If you could change one thing about our relationship what would it be? It might seem counterintuitive to invite conversation based on the assumption that your partner would, in fact, change something about your relationship, but sometimes, it’s questions like these that make someone feel comfortable enough to raise an issue that's been on their mind. 20. What do you think is your biggest strength in this relationship?21. What’s one thing about your life you would never change for someone else, including me? While the tone of this question may seem a tad negative at first glance, identifying your partner’s non-negotiable traits, habits or attachments can go a long way toward helping you understand what’s most important to them in life. 22. What about us do you think works well together? How do we balance each other out?23. What does love mean to you?24. What do I mean to you? This question is makes both parties vulnerable, so it's natural to want to shy away from it. But at a certain point in your relationship (you’ll know what point — it’s different for everyone), hot and heavy questions like this one are fair — and, hell, they can be extremely romantic too. 25. What was your first impression of me?26. What’s the most romantic movie you’ve ever seen?27. Do you believe in love at first sight?Fun Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend, Boyfriend or Partner Not everything has to be so serious! Sometimes the best relationship advice is to be silly and enjoy cute questions about crazy things. RELATED: The 60 Best Secret Crush Quotes to Help You Thirst in Style Funny questions can sometimes lead to a really good conversation that you guys will be really glad you had. 1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?3. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you choose? Although questions like these have a bit of a party-trick vibe, they can also be very revealing of your partner’s core values. What does your partner value more: looks or lucidity? While answers should be taken with a grain of salt, you can learn lots from the inevitable explanations that accompany such answers. 4. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die? (If their sense of humor is dark like yours)5. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be? Many of us fantasize about possessing certain "superpowers" or abilities. This is a fun question to ask, but it can also teach you lots about your partner’s deepest wishes (be it to fly above it all, turn invisible on whim, or set fire to things spontaneously) — so ask, ask away! 6. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?7. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it? In the spirit of bringing the best out of one another, this question can help you plan a future in which you do just that. Why not encourage your partner to follow their dreams and talk through it with them if they get stuck? 8. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?9. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life. Think of your most embarrassing moments as a treasure trove of a) good stories, b) hard lessons learned, and c) personal growth signposts. Sharing these with your partner will very likely bring you closer. After all, any partner worth their salt wants to know the real you — not the airbrushed version. 10. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?11. What’s your favorite karaoke song?12. What is your go-to Halloween costume?13. Who is your big celebrity crush?Questions to Ask Your Partner about the Future1. Where do you see yourself in five years? If your partner hasn’t given any thought to this question, and you have (or vice versa), a discussion wouldn’t hurt. Sometimes all it takes is a little communication for two people to start creating five-year plans together. 2. How do you see our future together? Where do you see it headed? It may seem daunting, but it’s important to have ‘the talk’ with your best friend and potential lifelong mate. If your hearts and paths are aligned, there shouldn’t be much in the way of surprises. If they're not, it’s still definitely worth knowing so you can reassess. 3. What are your goals in the relationship?4. What are your thoughts on having a family? This is not a peripheral question: if you want a big family but your partner would rather limit your dependents to cats and dogs, you need to have a discussion to determine whether there’s enough flexibility to move forward. 5. Where do you see yourself living when you retire?6. What are your financial priorities and goals? Money and love may seem antithetical, but the strongest relationships are transparent on all fronts. In other words, if you couldn’t care less about money or saving for the future, but your partner is steeped in mutual funds and RRSPs (or vice versa), it may be worth talking about to avoid future conflicts or imbalances in the relationship. 7. What is on your bucket list that we can do together this year?8. What’s the one thing you want to achieve the most before you die? If your partner has a goal to end all goals — something they don’t want to leave this earth without achieving (i.e. writing a novel, or opening a café) — you may want to consider getting behind it and supporting them. Because happier people make better partners! 9. Do you have any habits you want to change? Be it quitting smoking and drinking, or curbing a bad temper, knowing your partner’s personal betterment aspirations can help you be a stronger support when they need it the most. 10. What do you most look forward to about getting old? ‘Getting old’ might not be a topic either of you naturally turn to, but talking about it can really help clarify your respective life trajectories (or at least the ones you see yourself following), as well as how your partner imagines life with you in the (distant) future. 11. What are you hoping to learn in the coming year?12. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in your whole life? It reveals your partner's life wisdom and values, formative influences, or mentor relationships. 13. If you could see into the future, what’s one thing you want to see? Many of us would rather not look into the future and find out things that might rob us of quality of life in the present moment. Then again, your partner may have good reasons to prefer knowing how certain life aspects will unfold. You should probably hear this. 14. How do you want to be remembered?Questions to Ask Your Husband, Wife or Partner about Their Past1. When’s the last time you felt vulnerable? How did you cope?2. What have you accomplished in the past year that you are most proud of? Close as you feel to your partner, you may not actually be aware of how they judge their own achievements and what it is they take real pride in. True intimacy requires learning more about your partner’s inner world when the opportunity presents itself. 3. What were the major turning points in your life? From past trauma dating back to one's childhood, to struggles with anxiety, depression, or addiction your partner may have dealt with before knowing you, ‘turning points’ come in many forms. Learning your partner means knowing their history. 4. When’s the last time you pushed out of your comfort zone? How did it make you feel?5. What is your happiest memory? Sharing the happiest memories of our lives is a beautiful way of getting closer to our partners while opening the door to creating new happy memories together as a couple. 6. How have you changed in the past five years?7. When was the last time you cried and why? Some people cry often, and others rarely. We all have different relationships to shedding tears, and understanding your partner’s will only shed light on their emotional reality. Bonus: asking the question entails sharing a vulnerable moment, and vulnerability breeds intimacy. 8. What is an important life lesson you’ve learned?9. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? We don’t all have the same notions of courage, or of boldness. You can learn volumes about your partner by hearing them tell of the most daring thing they ever did, and the kind of results it manifested in their life. 10. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from past partners? Not everyone likes to discuss their previous relationships with their current partner, and indeed, there should be a limit to such discussions. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t valuable lessons to be shared. Chances are that learning about your partner’s experiences in previous serious relationships will help you to better understand their behaviors today. 11. What’s the most challenging setback you’ve ever experienced? How did you overcome it?12. If you could change one thing in history, what would it be?13. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?14. If you had to listen to just one of the songs you loved as a kid for the rest of your life, which song would it be?15. Did you have any pets growing up? Particularly if animals are important to you, and/or you plan on having pets in the future, it’s integral you get to know your partner’s attitude toward animals. 16. What is your favorite childhood memory?Heavy Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend, Boyfriend or Partner1. Do you want to have kids? If so, how many?2. When you’re having a bad day, what makes you feel better? This is the kind of question that helps you better understand how to comfort your girlfriend when she's down and just needs a reprieve from life for a minute (or a day). Whether it’s cooking a meal, cleaning the apartment, or giving her a temple massage, these are important life skills, so never underestimate them! 3. Do you consider yourself a jealous person?4. Have you ever cheated on a partner? If your girlfriend has cheated in the past, it’s worth knowing, just as it's worth knowing what led her to it, and how she feels about it in retrospect. People grow and change — they do it all the time. 5. Why did your last relationship end?6. How important is religion or spirituality in your life? Religion and/or spirituality may or may not play a significant role in your life — either way, unless the topic was at the forefront of your first meeting, your partner might have an altogether different relationship to faith. If you want to build a future together, don’t hesitate to ask her. If she’s worth being in a relationship with, she’s worth really knowing. 7. Who was your role model growing up?8. Have you ever been in an emotional or physically abusive relationship? If your partner has coped with an abuser in the past (be it an ex-partner, a parent, or anyone else) getting closer to your girlfriend likely means learning what she’s been through — to whatever extent she’s willing to share. 9. How important are looks to you?10. Do you think a relationship can come back from cheating? In a committed, monogamous relationship, no one wants a partner who strays. That said, your boyfriend might take cheating less seriously than you do — or vice versa. Put your mind at ease by addressing concerns as they arise, and with total transparency. 11. How long was your longest relationship?12. How do you see our future together: do you envision a two-income household, or a different arrangement? Whether you envision yourself as a blissfully content stay-at-home-mom, a high octane corporate executive — or both — finding out what kind of household arrangement your boyfriend imagines for his future (i.e., blissfully content stay-at-home dad) can help circumvent a lot of potential conflict in the future. 13. Have you ever struggled with addiction? While it’s true that our struggles do not define us, your boyfriend’s history with any sort of addiction is something you’re within your rights to ask about, as it may affect you too. Even if this does not represent his current reality, understanding his past struggles can help you become a lot better acquainted with the man you’re sharing your life with. 14. Have you ever been engaged or married? Becoming acquainted with the broad strokes of your boyfriend’s past romantic life can help you better understand his behaviors, interests, and hesitations in your current relationship. 15. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? You might have a very different style of communicating or relating to others than your boyfriend does. This doesn’t make you incompatible—in fact, it might even make you extra complementary. Still, it helps to address these differences so you can better understand and empathize with one another, while also being supportive of your partner even if you can’t directly relate to their difficulties. Why Are Questions in Relationships So Important? Ultimately, when it comes to building and maintaining strong relationships, communication is both king and queen! The more deeply you open up to truly getting to know one another, the sturdier your foundation will be. Nothing can shake you if your version of intimacy includes sharing your best and worst moments with compassion, acceptance, and love. Asking questions (and answering them) without reservation is a surefire way to open up the floodgates of vulnerability—by extension cultivating deeper shared emotional experiences. With additions by MJ Kelly and Maya Khamala KEEP READING: Are You in Love? These 5 Proven Signs Will Help You Know for Sure

Couple Hears Cats Fighting Outside - But What They Find in a Blanket Is Something Completely Different
Parenting

Couple Hears Cats Fighting Outside - But What They Find in a Blanket Is Something Completely Different

The road to parenthood isn't the same for everyone. Some people become parents by conceiving naturally, via surrogacy or adoption, or by becoming step-parents. As for others? Well, they find parenthood on the side of a literal road.The Unusual Road That Led a Florida Couple to ParenthoodLast January, the Polk Sheriff's Department received a 911 call in the wee hours of a Saturday morning about an abandoned newborn baby girl. A couple discovered her after they heard the sound of what they thought were cats screaming and fighting and went out to investigate. Turns out, it wasn't cats. It was a baby, just an hour old, wrapped up in an old blanket with the umbilical cord and placenta still attached.Left in a wooded area just off the side of the road in the Regal Loop Mobile Home Park, the baby was six and a half pounds and "very healthy" although she did sustain several insect bites.EMS took her to a nearby hospital and the Sheriff's office turned her over to the Department of Children and Families.Despite extensive efforts by PCSO detectives, the girl’s mother was never located or identified.When the baby's story first came out, she was known to the world as Angel Grace Lnu."She's as beautiful as an angel. It's by the grace of God she is not dead, and Lnu is: Last Name Unknown," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said at the time she was discovered.But now — ten months and one day later — she's known by one ecstatic couple as "daughter.""Happy Gotcha Day"In a heartwarming Facebook post, the Sheriff's Department reveals that the little girl has been formally adopted. “We have an exciting update to share with you. Nearly one year ago, on January 28th, at about 1:47 in the morning, PCSO deputies rescued an abandoned newborn baby girl in Mulberry," the post began."The temperature outside was in the lower 50’s, and members of Polk County Fire Rescue checked the girl out and determined that, based on the girl’s temperature, she had been born about an hour before she was found," it continued."Fast forward ten months and one day -- the baby girl has officially been adopted."via Polk County Sheriff's Office Facebook PageThe new parents wish to remain anonymous, however, they did agree to have a couple of photos shared of the special day.“We are thrilled to share with you these photos from this morning of this precious angel with her new mom and dad, along with PCSO’s Detective Green and Sgt. Ryan. Mom & Dad wish to keep their names from being published,” the PCSO wrote, “but they allowed us to share these photos with everyone who followed this child’s story and prayed for her well-being.”The sweet pictures show the beaming couple with their new daughter adorably dressed in a pink dress, ruffled socks, pink shoes, and her hair in pigtails. A Happy BeginningDespite her rocky start, baby Angel is now in the arms of her very own angels, her adoptive parents. And while she may have been found all alone in the world, she's not anymore.The unusual road that led this Florida couple to parenthood may be unconventional but it's obvious that they've ended up exactly where they're supposed to be. And their journey? Is just beginning. And may their story encourage us to find love in unexpected places and embrace the extraordinary paths that lead to parenthood.More from Goalcast: Woman Sits Next to Pregnant Stranger on Flight – Ends Up Adopting Her Newborn BabyWoman Has a Dream About the Same Baby for Months – Fights to Adopt Her Husband’s Dead Ex-wife’s Son6 Siblings Were Separated in Foster Care For Over 3 Years – Then 2 Dads Adopted Them All

22-Year-Old Grandson Decides to Become His Grandmothers Caregiver After Refusing to Put Her in a Home
Family

22-Year-Old Grandson Decides to Become His Grandmothers Caregiver After Refusing to Put Her in a Home

At 29 years old, Chris Punsalan isn't exactly living a typical, free-wheeling 20-something life. While other people his age are hanging out with friends, partying, traveling, or chasing their dreams, he's at home — the primary caregiver for his 97-year-old grandmother. He's been taking care of his "Lola" for the past eight years. And while it's not a path that many (or let's face it, any) 20-somethings would choose, he wouldn't change a thing. How a 22-Year-Old Became the Full-Time Caregiver to His GrandmaIn 2015, Chris and his family, who live in Nevada but are originally from the Philippines, were faced with the difficult decision of what to do with his aging grandmother. Bedridden and suffering from severe arthritis and osteoporosis, she could no longer take care of herself. The family had two options: send her to an assisted care facility or hire a full-time caregiver. In his final semester of college, Chris didn't have any opportunities lined up after graduation. So, he decided who better to look after his beloved Lola than him? It was, after all, what she had done for him for years growing up. "She took care of me and I would hate to see her go to homecare, which is where I feel most grandparents go in America. They go to home care because nobody is able to take care of them."Chris PunsalanBarely an adult himself, Chris became her full-time caregiver. Anyone who has ever taken on the role of caregiver, even temporarily, knows it's not an easy task. It's extremely demanding, both physically and mentally. You are always putting the needs of someone else before your own. Chris spends his days doing everything for his bedridden grandmother, who was once an elementary teacher for more than 20 years. From toileting and diapering to meal time and bath time, he even makes certain that she does daily affirmations and exercises for her hands. Even Chris admits that it can be "extremely isolating." But despite the challenges, he has no plans to stop. The Unlikely Duo Go Viral A digital content creator and musician, Chris is passionate about preserving memories and has been sharing his life online since 2014. In 2019, he decided to give the world a glimpse into life as a caregiver. The short 57-second clip went insanely viral with over 6 MILLION VIEWS and he and Lola became overnight sensations. Turns out, people really love tuning in and following along on their journey. "I receive hundreds of messages daily from former, current, and future caregivers that tell me their stories and remind me that I am not alone on this journey."Chris PunsalanInspired by the reaction his initial video received, Chris decided to keep going and now he regularly shares about their daily activities and heartwarming interactions. He also posts a lot of helpful tips for others who find themselves in similar caregiving situations.And he doesn't hold anything back. Not only does he share the obvious joy and incredible bond the two share but he's very candid about the hard bits as well. Including bearing witness to his grandma's failing body and her fight with dementia.People love them so much that Chris has amassed nearly 5 million followers between TikTok, Instagram, and his YouTube channel. Chris didn't just change his grandma's life, he changed his own as well. And like his Lola, he doesn't take anything for granted. “My grandma is probably the most grateful person that I know. Anytime somebody helps her, anytime somebody hands her something, anytime something is happening with or to grandma, you can always guarantee a thank you at the end of it,” says Chris. “I think that's what makes her enjoy life so much is that she's grateful for everything. She can't move and she's bound to her bed. But because she's just extremely grateful for even the smallest things in life, it just makes her life more worth it.”Cherish Your Loved OnesWhile Chris may have discovered fame with his grandma, it's the precious time they have to spend together that means the most to him. He knows that the time they have together is finite and that for now, his life is best served serving her.And that's the biggest takeaway that Chris has learned over the years he's spent caring for his lola."Cherish your grandparents and cherish your loved ones in general," Chris says. "Life is so fragile. It's such a cliche to tell your loved ones you love them because you don't know the next time, you know, that you're gonna get to see them or get to spend time with them."The reality is that if we're lucky, the ones we love will grow old and so will we. And while not all of us are in a position to become full-time caregivers, we are all capable of cherishing and honoring our loved ones.More from Goalcast:Grandmother With Hungry Grandkids Asks to Speak to Manager – His Unexpected Reaction Is Recorded by a StrangerTeen Finds Out Her Grandmother Has Been Saving Pennies for Four Years – For One Very Special ReasonTeen Learns His Grandmother Has Only 6 Months to Live – Plots With His Sister to Make Her Last Moments Unforgettable

Distraught Mom Orders Meal To-Go After Her Son With Autism Has a Meltdown in Cracker Barrel - Attached to the Bag Is a Note
Parenting

Distraught Mom Orders Meal To-Go After Her Son With Autism Has a Meltdown in Cracker Barrel - Attached to the Bag Is a Note

*This story appeared on Love What MattersAny parent knows that dining out with kids can be like Forest Gump's famous box of chocolates: "You never know what you're gonna get."It's a real-world game of chance, with the winner getting to actually sit down and enjoy a delicious, hot meal prepared and served by someone else. Ah, bliss. Sometimes, however, the odds are not in your favor. Despite your best efforts, your child just isn't having it. And they have zero qualms about letting the entire restaurant know. And in these moments, what parents need more than anything else isn't judgment. It's grace, understanding, and a whole lot of kindness. Thankfully, that's just what this mama found.The Reality of Raising a Child With AutismJamie Heustess and her husband Chris just wanted a nice family dinner out. It had been a long day with their six-year-old autistic son, Ian. So, after an awards ceremony, karate lesson, and a trip to Walmart, the family headed to their local Cracker Barrel. Raising a child with autism presents its own unique set of challenges. Situations that other children may find overwhelming can be doubly so for kids who struggle with social and sensory issues. While Ian is usually able to make it through at least part of a meal in a restaurant, on this particular day, he was done before it even got started. The breaking point came when Chris gave his son a couple of Finding Dory mystery figure boxes to open while they were waiting to order. After opening up both boxes and discovering that neither of them actually contained Dory OR Nemo, Ian lost it. Unable to calm him down, Chris took him home while Jamie stayed behind to order takeout. In a Facebook post shared on her personal page, Jamie wrote about the incident and the "realities of autism" many people don't understand. "Cue meltdown... he does not understand it is the luck of the draw," Jamie said. "His cries escalate....making it impossible to think straight. So.....i am sitting waiting on a to go order while Daddy takes him home.......Autism is not easy.....some days it totally sucks.... "A Cracker Barrel Waitress Gives Dinner To-Go With a Heaping Side Order of CompassionAs Jamie tearfully explained the situation to their waitress, Kailyn, she couldn't help but have her own meltdown.But not because she was embarrassed by her son. No, she was worried about what the other diners thought of him. Being judged by others stings but when that judgment is directed at your own child it feels like death by a thousand daggers. In a subsequent Facebook post, Jamie wrote: "By this time I was crying and having a moment, not because I was embarrassed that my son is autistic, but because he is a good kid and I didn't want anyone to think he was just a spoiled kid being a brat."Jamie HeustessKailyn was "gracious and sweet" and promised that she would get Jamie's order in quickly. Fifteen minutes later she reappeared with Jamie's take-out — free of charge. In a sweet act of kindness, the waitress decided to pay for the meal herself out of her tips.(After hearing about what she did, her manager, James, reimbursed her the money.)"I started crying all over again. I asked if she was sure and she reassured me it was taken care of, not to worry. I cried walking out, sure the other customers and employees thought I was crazy."An Act of Kindness Turns Into an Unforgettable Message of EncouragementOut in the parking lot, Jamie noticed a piece of paper attached to the bag. She assumed it was the receipt but on second glance realized it was a handwritten note. Not only had Kailyn paid for her meal, but she also took the time to make sure Jamie knew exactly what she thought of her. "Your child is amazing Mommy, be strong. Keep your head up. You are doing a great job. Have a great night. Your server, Kailyn." While the gift of a free dinner was certainly nice, the words of encouragement were priceless. At a time when she needed it most, a stranger told her exactly what she needed to hear. Jamie was so moved by the note that she hung it on her fridge.Parenthood has a lot of amazing moments but it has a lot of difficult ones too. Having someone validate us and support us in the midst of the muck goes a long way. The reality is that we are living in an age where judgment, hatred, and division are rampant. And it doesn't just apply to parents. But we can each do our part to change it. Rather than tearing each other down, we can build each other up. One kind word, dinner, or note at a time.More from Goalcast:Boy With Autism Walks Into Restaurant to Pick Up a Menu – When He Doesn’t Come Back, His Dad Finds Out What’s Going OnSchool Janitor Takes Boy With Autism Under His Wing – So His Mom Raises $35,000 in Response10-Year-Old Girl With Autism Bullied At School — Turns Out Her IQ Is Higher Than Einstein’s

Unemployed Dad Repackages Soup Kitchen Meals in Panera Bread Bags for This Tearjerking Reason
Parenting

Unemployed Dad Repackages Soup Kitchen Meals in Panera Bread Bags for This Tearjerking Reason

*Featured image contains photo by Julia M Cameron and Katia Damyan As a parent, you want nothing more than to shield your kids when bad things happen and sometimes, you'll go to great lengths to make sure their innocence is protected. So, when one dad lost his job during the pandemic (alongside nearly 255 million other people worldwide), he did what he had to do to make sure his kids were blissfully unaware of just how desperate times had become. The Lengths One Dad Went to in Order to Preserve His Children’s InnocencePhoto by Mikhail NilovDesperate times call for desperate measures and for this anonymous dad that meant having to turn to his local soup kitchen to help put food on the table. And while it took a lot of courage to ask for help, he didn't want his children to worry. To conceal the harsh reality of their situation he decided to engage in some seriously ingenious bait-and-switch maneuvers. Instead of letting his kids know where the bacon actually came from, he cleverly repackaged it into their favorite restaurant to-go bag before bringing it home. Because when it comes to kids and dinner? There's nothing more exciting than take-out (okay fine, for adults too).The soup kitchen volunteer who witnessed the tearjerking act shared about it recently in a video on TikTok. And while the clip may only be 6 seconds long, I guarantee you'll be thinking about it for a long time to come. “Thinking about when I worked at a soup kitchen during Covid and a man who lost his job would come by and pack the food we gave him into a Panera Bread bag so his kids were excited thinking they were eating restaurant food every night,” Amber Mirrelle wrote in the text overlay. "I hope him and his family are doing alright," she added.How a Simple Act of Love Made a Significant ImpactIn the midst of just trying to survive, all this dad could think about was making certain that his kids had literally no idea. With one small gesture, he turned what could have been scary and sad into something exciting. It wasn't just about putting dinner on the table; it was about preserving a sense of normalcy and shielding his kids from unnecessary worry. It was about ensuring that they felt safe and secure during a time that screamed anything but. And people are having a lot of emotions. The TikTok video has gone viral with a whopping 3.3 million views in just a few days. Commenters were deeply moved by the dad's actions. "The things people do to protect their children. I bet he thinks about you too. ❤️," wrote one."You know that was a core moment for them dad brought Panera bread every day 🥹," wrote another."That is king behavior. Shield the babies from pain and stresses. Provide even if you gotta ask for help. Hope he is doing well!"Other commenters shared similar experiences with their own parents."My dad would go to thrift stores to buy toys and would put them in Target bags to act like he bought them there 😭.""Reminds me of when I got all dollar store gifts for Christmas. My dad told me later. It's still a core Christmas memory. All those gifts. 🥰"Millions of Families Are Struggling With Food InsecurityWhile this happened during COVID-19, the reality is that things haven't gotten better. In fact, thanks to skyrocketing inflation and massive sticker shock in the grocery stores and at the gas pump, more and more people are struggling to make ends meet. Local food banks, soup kitchens, and hunger relief programs feed more than 49 million people every year in the United States alone. That's one out of every six people. And as the cost of living increases, so do the statistics.Donating money, nonperishable food, or even just your time, to food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens in your local area or neighborhood can go a long way in helping people who need it most. More from Goalcast:Unemployed Man Searches for Stranger Who Returned His $273M Lotto Ticket — and Hopes to Share His EarningsUnemployed Father Struggles to Provide for His Family – So He Started Working on the StreetSteve Harvey Was So Moved by an Unemployed Audience Member’s Struggle – So He Decides to Change His Life

Man Explains Why He Refuses to Help His Wife and 4 Kids Around the House - And Strangers Are Praising Him for It
Family

Man Explains Why He Refuses to Help His Wife and 4 Kids Around the House - And Strangers Are Praising Him for It

It's no secret that when it comes to domestic duties such as childcare, cooking, and cleaning, women tend to take on the lion's share of the work, even when both partners are working full-time.To be fair, a lot of husbands do shoulder their fair share of the housework, however, let's face it, many do not. The domestic gender gap is REAL.So, when a husband took to TikTok to sound off on NOT HELPING his wife with chores and their four young children, people weren't exactly blown away by surprise. But what was unexpected was his reason why. And suddenly? This guy's gone from zero to hero in the eyes of 7 million people and counting. Why a Husband Doesn’t “Help” His Wife Around the HouseTexas UPS driver, J.R. Minton, grew up in a "traditional" household. His mom did typical "motherly" things while his dad brought home the bacon and left the domestic duties alone. But Minton's determined to do things differently. The father of four young kids ages one to seven, took to TikTok to share his message on partnership.His video, which has been viewed by millions, starts off with him contentiously stating, "I don't help my wife cook. I don't help her clean, do laundry, take care of the kids — none of that."Uh-huh. Or, as one commenter expressed, "I was ready to fight 😅👏🏾." (You and about 7 million other women, give or take.)But hold on a minute, Minton's not done. And another commenter's decision to hold her breath and "trust the algorithm" pays off. Because this is where he jumps the tracks and takes a hard left."Because I do what I am supposed to do as a father and a husband. I cook. I clean. I do the laundry. I take care of the kids. I can't help my wife do those things because they are my job too."J.R. Minton"Change the way you speak. Change the way you think and grow the f--- up and be a man," he adds. Mic drop.Husband’s TikTok Take On Sharing Responsibilities Goes Viral and People Are Loving ItResponse to Minton's video was swift, racking up 1.4 million likes and nearly 16,000 comments. People came out in droves, praising him for his perspective.On the flip side, however, it seems that many households still follow conventional gender norms and attitudes, with a number of men viewing doing basic duties as "helping" their partners. "Had to tell my husband stop saying, '…for your mother,' to the kids. Empty the dishwasher FOR ME? No. Those are everybody’s dishes." wrote one."My ex used to say 'I did the dishes for you.' FOR ME! Thanks and bu-bye," wrote another.Others revealed that when it comes to domestic labor, they're on their own. "My husband sometimes doesn’t even flush the toilet.""Not me seeing this while crying in the bathroom cause I'm just so damn exhausted."In a follow-up TikTok, Minton thanks his fans but warns that he's not some "unicorn." He's a husband and dad, just doing what his wife does every single day. A fact he had driven home during a recent trip to Target.“I was wearing the baby and I had two kids in the cart, and this lady comes up to Brittany and she’s like, ‘Oh my God. Is this your husband!? Look at him. You should take a picture of him,’” Minton told Today. “I get so much credit for doing nothing. How low is the bar?"Trust me, it's low. Society has a tendency to perceive moms and dads VERY differently. Fathers tend to get a lot more credit for showing up as parents in ways that moms are expected to do all the time. Marriage Is a PartnershipAs far as we have come in balancing the scales, the reality is that we still have a long way to go in shifting attitudes and achieving true equality where domestic labor is concerned. And science proves it. According to a recent study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics American Time Use Survey, women spend 37% more time doing domestic tasks than men. And if the woman happens to be bringing home the majority of the bacon? They're actually taking on an even greater share of the housework as per a study from the University of Bath.Obviously, as Minton proves, this isn't the case for every family. There are plenty of husbands and fathers who view their marriages in a similar light — as a partnership. Minton just hopes that his message hits home with the ones he thinks need to hear it. "When you're in a partnership with your spouse, it's not help," Minton said. "Everything is a shared responsibility in the house when it comes to taking care of each other's needs, the children's needs, especially the needs of the home."At the end of the day, every family needs to decide what works best for them. And when it comes to the division of domestic labor? It should be what is equitable and fair for both partners. More from Goalcast:Woman Learns Her Exhausted Co-worker Bikes Three Hours to Work – So She and Her Husband Come Up With a PlanWoman Has a Dream About the Same Baby for Months – Fights to Adopt Her Husband’s Dead Ex-wife’s SonStrangers Accuse Kenyan Woman of Marrying Her Husband for Money – The Couple Hits Back With the Perfect Response

Dad Dumps 80,000 Pennies in Child Support on Estranged Daughters Lawn - Her Response Is Absolute Gold
Family

Dad Dumps 80,000 Pennies in Child Support on Estranged Daughters Lawn - Her Response Is Absolute Gold

When a dad in Virginia decided to celebrate his final child support payment for his daughter by paying it in PENNIES and dumping all 80,000 of them on his ex-wife's front lawn, his daughter proved who really has the "cents" in the family.Dad Dumps $800 Worth of Pennies in Daughter’s Yard in Cruel StuntPhoto by PixabayAccording to News 6 Richmond, the unnamed father "acted out of 18 years of pent-up frustration" when he rented a landscape trailer, filled it with pennies, and proceeded to dump them all over the yard of the home his daughter shares with her mother.Perhaps he should have considered taking up yoga instead."I just turned 18. When I was in the middle of class, my dad came by. He had rented a trailer," Avery Sanford, a senior in high school, told the news station."He pulled up in front of the house and turned the trailer on so it dumped out all the pennies on the grass and my mom came out and was like, 'What are you dumping in my yard?' She didn't know who it was until he shouted, 'It's your final child support payment.'"The whole bizarre incident was caught on the home's security camera.Understandably, Avery was shocked and extremely hurt by her father's actions. Despite not having seen him in years, it still packed a painful punch. And not just for her, but for her sister as well. “It is really hurtful and damaging to your kids when you do things like that,” her mother said. “And it doesn’t matter how old your kids are — it doesn’t matter if they’re a young child or an adult. The actions of your parents will always have some effect on you.”And while he obviously thought he got the last laugh, he thought wrong. How a Daughter Transformed a Painful Act Into Something GoodTurns out that in this case, the apple DOES fall far from the tree. Far far away. Instead of letting the weight of the situation break her, Avery chose to turn one bad deed into a force for good. After picking up every last penny, she and her mother decided to pay it forward.Together, they donated the money to Safe Harbor, a local domestic abuse center that supports survivors of human trafficking and sexual and domestic abuse. "Turning around and donating that money to moms and children in need, I feel like that really turns this situation into a positive," Avery shared. "You can learn from it."But that wasn't the end. It was actually just the beginning. Their actions triggered a tidal wave of giving.When people learned about her father's appalling behavior and Avery's response to it, donations to the center flooded in. That $800? Turned into over $47,000. "Our online donation page just blew up. And we've gotten over $47,000 worth of donations from locally, nationally, internationally -- as far as England and beyond," said Mary Maupai, Safe Harbor's development director.Kindness Always WinsIt also seems that Avery's father may be feeling the full weight of his 80,000-penny decision. In a phone interview with WTVR, he shared that his "emotions got the best of him" and “the last thing he wanted to do” was push his daughter further away.Unfortunately, that's exactly what he did.The sad reality is that Avery is not the only child to get caught in the crossfire of her warring parents. When it comes to acrimonious divorces, there is almost always collateral damage. But despite the emotional toll her father's actions took, Avery somehow managed to channel all of her hurt and anger into an amazing act of generosity. Rather than fight fire with fire, she chose love. And in doing so, taught us all a powerful lesson in fighting anger with kindness. And kindness? Always wins.More from Goalcast:Exhausted Dad of 4 Doesn’t Notice a Stranger Watching Him Closely at Work – Is Shocked When He Finds This Note on a BillBoy With Autism Walks Into Restaurant to Pick Up a Menu – When He Doesn’t Come Back, His Dad Finds Out What’s Going On8-Year-Old Driving With His Dad Insists on Pulling Over – His Next Move Is Being Praised by Strangers

Man Accuses Wife With Full Time Job of Doing Nothing Around the House - So After Getting Revenge, She Leaves for Vacation
Family

Man Accuses Wife With Full Time Job of Doing Nothing Around the House - So After Getting Revenge, She Leaves for Vacation

For some strange reason, things that are glaringly obvious to moms tend to be invisible to everyone else. Weird, I know.Things like the dirty dishes in the sink, or the ever-growing mountain of laundry, or that one lonely sock abandoned on the middle stair.And more often than not, moms will just deal with it and no one in the house is any wiser. In fact, moms are so good at being the "default" parent that oftentimes, their families are completely oblivious to just how much she does for them. Until she doesn't.After her husband accused her of “doing nothing around the house,” one mom decided to show him just how much “nothing” she really does. And unsurprisingly, it's A LOT.Mom Goes on Strike Photo by Ron LachA Connecticut mother of two recently went insanely viral on TikTok for going on "strike" after her husband, Brian, made a “totally spontaneous” complaint that she wasn't pulling her weight. Bless him. "The night he made the comment, I was getting the kids ready for bed, and he was cleaning up in the kitchen," Lindsay Donnelly told TODAY. "I noticed he was kind of grumpy and I was like, 'What's going on?' And that's when he made the comment about me doing nothing around the house."Rather than argue with him, she decided to teach him a much-needed lesson. For three days, Donnelly truly did NOTHING around the house. And the results are about as disastrous as you'd expect. Perfectly set to Taylor Swift’s Karma, Donnelly, 33, documented what happened after she silently quit all of it — the dirty dishes, the piles of laundry in the living room, the multiple messes literally everywhere. Over the course of three days, her once invisible labor became painfully, overwhelmingly visible.Then she left town on a girls' trip, leaving Brian to deal with the fallout. Checkmate.Donnelly told TODAY that she and Brian both have full-time jobs. She runs a social media marketing agency and he works in venture capital. They have been married for 7 years and have two kids, 7 and 4 years old.She also added that his dig was a reaction to the typical stress of trying to juggle parenting, work, and household duties, something they do try to divvy up equally. “It wasn’t an ongoing fight. It’s more of the day-to-day ‘keeping a house in order with two working parents and two little kids’ conversation."A Husband Sees the Error of His WaysBy the time Donnelly returned home from her weekend away, not only was the house "spick-and-span" but so was her car. "He told me he was sorry," Donnelly said. He also apologized to her legion of TikTok fans in a follow-up video where Donnelly sits him down to share the news that his comment and her ensuing strike were viewed by MILLIONS of people. 20.7 million to be exact.She also informed him that more than 8,000 commenters were quick to hop aboard the divorce wagon, which she doesn't plan on doing by the way. Brian took it all in stride and the two were able to laugh and find the humor in the situation. A good sign of a healthy relationship."He really is an amazing husband. That was just one moment," Donnelly said.Donnelly's strike wasn't just a retaliation; it was a statement. "I'm constantly tidying — I'm picking up shoes, I'm doing all these things that go unnoticed but add up to a lot," she said.I think it's safe to say they won't go unnoticed anymore.The reality is that women in our society tend to carry a disproportionate load when it comes to parenting and household duties. Much of which is unseen. It's why there is so much talk about the "invisible labor" and the "mental load" of motherhood.But regardless of whether or not this is the case in the Donnelly's house, we all deserve to feel seen and valued. And not just at home. Acknowledgment and appreciation go a long way in all aspects of our lives, including in our relationships, at work, and in our interactions with others.Donnelly's strike wasn't just a learning moment for her husband, it was one for all of us. A reminder to take a moment to appreciate the people around us, who contribute in so many silent ways, often without recognition or fanfare, to make our worlds a better place.More from Goalcast:Woman’s Heart Is Shattered When Her Husband Abandons Her for His Lover – Even Then, She Still Takes Care of His Elderly DadStrangers Accuse Kenyan Woman of Marrying Her Husband for Money – The Couple Hits Back With the Perfect ResponseStay-At-Home Mom’s Boyfriend Accuses Her Of Doing Nothing All Day – What She Does Next Goes Viral

Bride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him
Family

Bride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him

The day Emily Leehan got married she wasn't just saying "I Do" to her groom, Joshua Newville; she was saying "I Do" to his 4-year-old son, Gage, as well.Not only was their wedding a union of two people in love but it was also a blending of two families and the start of their new journey together.So, the bride didn't just deliver one set of vows on her big day — she delivered two; one to her new husband AND one to her new stepson. While we're certain her vows to Joshua were beautiful, it's what she had to say to Gage and his heartfelt reaction that really takes the (wedding) cake. Spoiler alert: You're going to want to grab the tissues for this one.A Stepmother’s Heartwarming Vows to Her New StepsonAccording to CBS News, Joshua, a sergeant in the Marines, and Emily, a senior airman in the Air Force, dated for two years before getting engaged and tying the knot. Gage was just two years old when Emily flew into his life. Over the years, the two developed a special bond and it's this powerful connection that is clearly shown in the now-viral video of their sweet exchange.In the video, captured by wedding photographer Jessica Husted, Emily is reading her “vows” to little Gage as he gazes up at her. Fighting back tears she begins, “I want you to be safe and to try your hardest and to be a good person," adding, "Don't cry, baby.” Too late. Gage, overcome with emotion, throws himself at her, wrapping his arms tightly around her, sobbing. And now, literally, everybody's crying.Somehow, Emily manages to keep it together and press on."I know you and I will butt heads…" More sobs. "Except for right now," Emily jokes (because sometimes you gotta laugh to keep yourself from crying). As Joshua comforts his weeping son, Emily continues: "But I hope with all my heart that as you become a grown man, you will understand my methods and realize I have only done what’s best for you and that I love you.”She ends her vows by saying, "You are a special boy. You are so extremely smart, handsome, and kind to others." "You have helped shape me into the woman that I am today, and I may not have given you the gift of life, but life surely gave me the gift of you." Emily Newville*SOBS*Why a Stepmom Stepped UpOnce Emily finishes her vows she bends down and hugs Gage, eventually scooping him up in her arms because there's still a wedding to finish. Emily explains that she always knew she wanted Gage to be a part of the ceremony. "I wanted to involve him because when I was vowing to be Josh's wife I was also vowing to be his stepmom. I wanted him to feel special and to remind him of how much he means to me."She also knows just how special the step-parent—child bond can be. She has a special relationship with her own stepdad, who, along with her biological dad, walked her down the aisle.As for Gage's biological mother? She's sharing the love too.“As his mother I can say that she is an amazing step-mother to him,” Kali wrote in a Facebook comment. “I couldn’t have picked someone better. Gage is lucky to have her and I’m so thankful I can trust her to be there when I cannot be!”Blending families can be tricky. It comes with its own unique set of challenges. But family doesn't require blood, it requires love. Family isn't about sharing DNA; it's about sharing life. And in those times when we get to CHOOSE our family? When we get to look another person in the eyes and say, "I choose you," there's something to be said about the incredible power of that kind of love. More from Goalcast:Lifelong Bachelor Finally Gets Married at 93 – To the Woman He Met at His Sister’s Wedding in 1959Homeless Couple Couldn’t Afford to Get Married for 24 Years – Then a Stranger Throws Them a Surprise Wedding

Man Gives Up Everything to Marry One of the Heaviest Women in the World - And Becomes Her Full-Time Caretaker
Marriage

Man Gives Up Everything to Marry One of the Heaviest Women in the World - And Becomes Her Full-Time Caretaker

When Simon Johnson met Shannon Lowery while gaming online, it was love at virtual first sight. "The first thing, maybe, was her smile. It sounds stupid but it's true — personality, the way she looked, obviously. She's a beautiful woman," he said.He was so sure she was "the one," in fact, that he left his life in England and crossed a literal ocean to be with her. And if that doesn't scream true love, I don't know what does. Why One Man Gave Up Everything to Become His Wife’s CaretakerMonths after arriving in Tucson, Arizona, Simon and Shannon married. But their life together was far from typical. When Simon said "I Do," he wasn't just taking on the role of husband, he was taking on the role of caregiver. Because for years, Shannon had been living in a nursing home. Weighing more than 700 pounds, and considered one of the heaviest women in the world, she was unable to take care of herself.So Simon did it for her. The newlyweds got a place together and although he admits it's been a struggle, he's never left her side. For thirteen years, Simon has done everything for Shannon — from helping her get out of bed and dressing her, to bathing her and doing all of the cooking, cleaning, and laundry.And he's more than happy to do it. In an episode of the popular reality show, 'My 600-Lb Life,' Simon shared: "Shannon needs help with pretty much everything that a normal person needs to do. Simple things really that we take for granted we can't do at the moment, so I have become her caregiver and I'm more than happy to look after her."How Did Shannon Lowery Become One of the Heaviest Women in the World?When Shannon's father and stepmother divorced, it had a profound effect on her life. By the age of seven, she weighed 100 lbs. By 13, she weighed 250 lbs. And by 17 years old, she was 450 lbs. Shuffled between relatives — with her mom, dad, grandmother, aunt, and great-aunt all taking turns to raise her — Shannon missed out on the security and stability that all children deserve. Between food being scarce at her mother's house and using food as a coping mechanism for her loneliness at her father's house, Shannon's obsession with food spiraled out of control. By the time she was 27, she had attempted suicide, was hospitalized, and moved into assisted living. Two years later, she met Simon. After being married for 10 years and not wanting Simon to have to continue caring for her indefinitely, Shannon decided to enlist some help. The Power of True LoveShe contacted Dr. Younan Nowrazadan (aka Dr. Now), the star of the show, My 600-Lb Life. Since appearing on the show, Shannon was able to lose some weight and is reportedly going to the gym three times a week. According to a recent update on Facebook, she is also waiting for news on having weight loss surgery and is following a doctor-prescribed diet. And Simon? Is right where he's always been.True love transcends physical appearances, defies societal expectations, and perseveres in the face of adversity. It is selfless and unconditional. Despite the challenges Simon knew he would have to face, he gave up everything to take care of the woman he loves, proving that when it comes to true love? It really does know no bounds. More from Goalcast: Men Warn They Would Break Up With Plus Size Woman if She Didn’t Lose Weight – But One Personal Trainer Gets Down on One KneeDad Weighing 274 Pounds Decides to Lose Weight for a Unique Purpose – To Become an Organ Donor for His SonWoman Ruthlessly Bullied By Dance Teachers For Being Overweight Breaks Stereotypes And Gets The Last Laugh