When Molly came home after another tough day, she found an incredible note scrawled on her wall-to-ceiling mirror.
Her husband had written 15 bullet points titled “Reasons I love my wife.”
Molly wrote on Imgur that she’s been depressed lately.
“I’ve been juggling a LOT lately. Trying to move up the (ahem) corporate latter. Just got married. Couldn’t afford a wedding. Family is sparse. Falling out with friends, yaddadyadda. But, the thing is, amidst all the struggle, my husband has relentlessly tried to cheer me up. I’ve not been the east person to deal with. In fact, sometimes I’ve said the cruelest most hateful words to my new husband. But he somehow forgives me every time. I have a long journey ahead of me, and I know he probably realizes I’m mentally ill. But he holds my hand, and he tries his best,” she wrote.
“Today when I came home from a trip to SF, I flopped onto my bed in tears. I looked to my left, and saw these words painted all across my mirror. I think he wanted me to remember how much he loves me. Because he knows how quickly I forget. He knows I struggle to see good in the world, and especially the good in myself. But here it is. A testament and gesture of his love. Damn, I needed it today...”
The list says:
1. she is my best friend
2. she never quits on herself or me
3. she gives me time to work on my crazy projects
4. she makes me laugh, everyday
5. she is gorgeous
6. she accepts the crazy person i am
7. she’s the kindest person i know 8. she’s got a beautiful singing voice
9. she’s gone to a strip club with me
10. she has experienced severe tragedy yet is the most optimistic person about humanity i know
11. she has been fully supportive about my career choices and followed me each time
12. without realizing it, she makes me want to do more for her than i have ever wanted to do for anyone
13. she’s done an amazing job at advancing her career path
14. small animals make her cry
15. she snorts when she laughs
After the post went viral, Molly updated her post with some more specifics, including addressing comments about her mental illness.
“For everyone reading this, please know that mental illness is NOT cured by nice words on a mirror. In fact, it takes professional care, love, empathy, sometimes even medication. Many people struggle with it - more than you probably even realize. And instead of showing them hate or anger when they act out. Show them kindness and remind them things can and WILL get better. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. If that person can’t be you - see if you have any resources for therapy,” she wrote.
“Lastly, I am not an evil person. I am not ’too good‘ or ’not good enough' for my husband. We all have our down days. And sometimes we don’t handle it well. BUT, we are partners. He is here for me when I’m done. And I cherish that. But what I failed to mention is that HE has his down days, too. And I will be there to hold his hand, just like he holds mine. Life can be hard. The answer is never to mock, scoff, or belittle someone. Be kind. Be the best version of yourself. And be most of all- be patient.
“Depression, anxious, in fact -- all mental illness is ubiquitous. Instead of stigmatizing the illness (or the person!) reach out. Don’t ostracize them. I made this post to show the world that even the little gestures like a small list of ”<3's" on my bedroom mirror can offer a little reminder of the love and kindness there is in the world."
