My parents got a divorce when I was 12. Now, I know that might seem like not that long ago, but no matter how hard I try, I don’t remember anything before that. It’s like my life just started from scratch again. Everything I ever thought was permanent, everything I thought I had figured out, every routine I had established was thrown out the window.

I am very fortunate to  have two loving parents who both love me and want to be apart of my life, but with so much affection to go around, the expectations you are held to are doubled. That ever so dreaded “family time” is now expected twice as much: separate time with my dad, and separate time with my mom. My family means the world to me, but as a teenager, a certain amount of a social life is also expected.

Even though parents always repeatedly reassure you that the divorce isn’t your fault, there is still that sick little feeling in the bottom of your stomach that makes you think differently. No matter how long your parents have been divorced, it will, and always will be, too difficult to handle sometimes. It’s almost four years later, and I still have problems dealing with it some times. The inevitable truth is that things will never be “normal” again.

When I go to a friends house whose parents are still together, I grudgingly get envious. I don’t mean to feel this way, and I’m guessing I’m not the only one that feels this way, but that’s life for you: not being able to control your feelings. Seeing a happy little family all living under one roof makes me think of what I don’t have,and although this sign of resentment is frowned upon, the feeling is sadly inescapable.

I’m not trying to place all of the blame on my parents because sometimes divorce is necessary in order to pursue a happier life. But no matter which way you think about it, the bottomline is that divorce sucks. It’s the worst and harshest example of a bitter-sweet ending.

So to those of you reading this, know this: if your parents are not together, please remember it’s probably for the best. It really sucks, but a little bit of pain is worth a lifetime of success, and yes, that was a movie quote (Unbroken).

Whether your parents are divorced, single, or deceased, hardships are a given, but know that there is someone out there who loves and cares about you a lot. There is no ideal situation because everyone has problems they have to face. The inevitable truth is that we will never reach or obtain our ideal lifestyle, no matter how hard we try. Although harsh, what we have to do is just make do with what you have, and deal with it.