They are asking for another glass of water, even though you just sat down, even though it’s well past bedtime. They suddenly need to go to the grocery store to get something, even though you just went (and asked if they wanted to come!). They are telling you now, for the first time, about a homework assignment they’ve had for weeks. They want you to zip their coat back up…the one you’ve already zipped up a million times, the one you told them to stop unzipping!

It’s annoying, sure. There’s probably some power game to it, too. But what do you care?

Think about it: The thing you want most in the world is that they know you love them, that you care about them. And what is love? As Hemingway said, love is being of service, it’s doing things for people. Well? Here is another chance.

Just do it. There’s no lesson you need to teach. There is no significance to it besides that, besides just being there, just being someone they can count on. You won’t get to do this forever. Is there such a thing as too many opportunities to show your love? There is not.

Just do it. Don’t resent it. Don’t complain. Don’t roll your eyes. Don’t follow it with admonishment. Just do it.

Love that you get to do it, because it shows them that you love them.

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