Sweet Nothing — another ramble about Taylor Swift with a twist

I spend 24 hours and 7 days a week at home, so I have quite a bit of spare time to binge watch Taylor Swift's YouTube playlists. At 12 AM, I thought it would be a cliché idea to listen to her Midnights album. That was when "Sweet Nothing" played in the background. Now here's another rambling blog inspired by her songs again...

you know the drill, enjoy listening while reading kekeke

​sweet nothings

uk/ˌswiːt ˈnʌθ.ɪŋz/ us/ˌswiːt ˈnʌθ.ɪŋz/

NOUN [ PLURAL ]

romantic and loving talk

e.g. They're the couple in the corner, whispering/murmuring sweet nothings to each other.

They said the end is coming Everyone's up to something I find myself running home to your sweet nothings Outside, they're push and shoving You're in the kitchen humming All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

I am aware that Taylor Swift wrote this lullaby with William Bowery, and many people may dedicate it to their significant others. However, when I hear the line "all you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing," I can't help but approach this song from another corner— I think of my parents.

I acknowledge that not every child receives the same kind of admirable love from their parents, and it's a personal choice who you would like to dedicate this piece to. Keep in mind, love is not expressed in one way—we all love differently, and so are our parents.

In my case, my parents are a walking embodiment of "sweet nothing." They were the ones who gave me everything I needed to grow up happy and loved. They were the ones who taught me the meaning of love, hatred, and sacrifice. And they were the ones who showed me that all I ever needed was their protection. They showed me what it means to love unconditionally, to give without expecting anything in return. And they showed me that the best love is the simplest love.

Sweet nothing is a love without expecting anything in return.

Most parents are sweet nothing. They might raise their voices, nag all day long, and lack basic understanding. However, we treat them the same way. We raise our voices in argument, we complain, and we fail to understand that they're also humans. They are allowed to be as impulsive as we are, allowed to be scared, anxious, mad—all the emotions we are able to feel. I barely speak emotions with my parents. The thought of opening up is cringy. "They wouldn't understand."

However, no one has ever looked at me with such pity or anger or love as my parents ever did. The soft glance they gave me while trying to focus on the road but at the same time making sure I am not a broken-glass mess. They might not be the greatest comforts, but their implicit look of worry is like the warmest blanket on a sick cold morning.

The funny thing is, we are their sweet nothing.

The phrase "sweet nothing" is often used to describe something that is insignificant or meaningless. However, in the context of a parent-child relationship, it takes on a whole new meaning. To a parent, "sweet nothing" is anything that comes from their child's heart. It could be a simple smile, a quick hug, or even just a few words of endearments. Something so basic that we tend to overlook and take it for granted.

Okay, so out of character of me to do an emotional ramble about a parent’s love but I guess that’s the least I can do for someone who gave up so much for me and my siblings. Until next time.

Signing off,

Navv