How Do I Know If Someone Really Loves Me?
Love & Relationships
Episode 5: How Do I Know If Someone Really Loves Me?
Love & Relationships
Age: 10-11 years old
1
Daughter
Dad, how do you know if someone really loves you?
Dad
That's... that's a big question, sweetheart. What made you think about this?
Daughter
Emma said her boyfriend loves her because he gave her his hoodie. But that seems... simple?
Dad
*laughs* You're right. Love is way more complicated than hoodies. Though hoodies are nice.
Scene: Dad and daughter sitting on the porch swing at sunset, daughter looking thoughtful
2
Dad
When I was ten, I broke my arm trying to jump off the garage roof.
Daughter
Why would you do that?!
Dad
I thought I could fly. I was not a smart child.
Daughter
*giggles* What happened?
Scene: Young dad in hospital bed with cast on arm, looking embarrassed
3
Dad
Your grandma stayed with me in the hospital. All night. Every night for a week.
Dad
She slept in this tiny, uncomfortable chair. Brought me comic books. Helped me eat because I couldn't use my right hand.
Dad
She never once said 'I told you so,' even though she definitely told me so.
Scene: Mom asleep in hospital chair, young boy watching her with realization
He remembers thinking: 'I hope I get to take care of her someday too.'
4
Daughter
So love is... uncomfortable chairs?
Dad
*laughs* Love is showing up. Even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard.
Daughter
Did Grandma ever get mad at you?
Dad
Oh, constantly. Love doesn't mean never being angry. It means staying even when you're angry.
Scene: Dad and daughter laughing together, golden hour lighting
5
Dad
My friend Jake in high school thought he was in love with this girl, Rachel.
Daughter
Was he?
Dad
Well, he wrote her poetry. Terrible poetry. Like, 'Your eyes are like... pizza' level bad.
Daughter
*laughing* No way!
Scene: Teenage Jake showing terrible poetry to Rachel who looks confused
6
Dad
But when Rachel's dad got sick, Jake was there. Every day after school.
Dad
He'd bring her homework, sit with her while she cried, help her study when she couldn't focus.
Dad
He stopped writing poetry. Started just... being present.
Scene: Jake sitting quietly with Rachel in hospital waiting room
7
Daughter
Did they end up together?
Dad
Nope. She moved away for college. They're still friends though.
Daughter
So it wasn't real love?
Dad
No, it was real. Love doesn't always mean forever. But it always means showing up.
Scene: Dad showing daughter old photo of Jake and Rachel, both smiling
8
Dad
You want to know when I really understood love?
Daughter
When?
Dad
The night you were born. You were so tiny. And so loud.
Daughter
*laughs* I was not!
Scene: Young dad holding newborn baby, looking overwhelmed and amazed
9
Dad
You cried for three hours straight at 3 AM. I was so tired I put my phone in the fridge.
Daughter
*giggling* You did not!
Dad
I did! Your mom found it next to the milk. But even exhausted, even confused...
Dad
I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.
Scene: Exhausted dad walking with crying baby, looking like a zombie but smiling
10
Daughter
So love is... showing up? Even when it's hard?
Dad
Love is choosing someone. Every day. In big ways and small ways.
Dad
It's uncomfortable hospital chairs. It's bringing homework. It's 3 AM crying sessions.
Daughter
It's porch swing talks?
Scene: Close-up of dad and daughter, dad's arm around her shoulders
11
Dad
*pulls her close* It's definitely porch swing talks.
Dad
Real love isn't about grand gestures or perfect moments. It's about being there.
Daughter
You're always there, Dad.
Dad
*quietly* And I always will be.
Scene: Dad hugging daughter as the sun sets, both silhouetted against the sky
He holds her a little tighter, as if he could protect her from everything. As if promises could stop time.
12
Daughter
Dad?
Dad
Yeah, sweetheart?
Daughter
I love you.
Dad
*voice thick* I love you too. More than all the uncomfortable hospital chairs in the world.
Daughter
*laughs* That's a lot of chairs!
Dad
*smiling* That's a lot of love.
Scene: Father and daughter on porch swing under stars, peaceful and content
Later, he'll remember this moment. The weight of her against his shoulder. The sound of her laugh. He'll wish he'd held on longer.