by: Michelle Barnhart
With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, Parkland couples shared their stories, tips, and views on love and relationships.
Michelle Miller and Artem Burnett are both Parkland students. Miller is majoring in business administration and management, while Burnett is majoring in landscaping design and construction. Both are in their second semester here at Parkland. But that isn’t the only thing they have in common. Both are also goalies for the Parkland soccer teams.
These two met by accident. Several years ago, when Miller’s friend moved to Chicago, a going-away party was thrown for him. Someone showed up unexpectedly and brought along three other guests, one of whom was Burnett. Burnett had recently moved from Ukraine and did not speak much English, while Miller did not speak much Russian. But despite the language barrier, these two instantly clicked.
“Right when we saw each other we immediately tried talking to each other amidst the language barrier, and the rest is history,” Miller said. The happy couple will be celebrating four years together in May.
Both Miller and Burnett love the outdoors. As such, many of their dates involve outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hammocking. They also both enjoy cooking Russian or Ukrainian food.
“In general, any time we get to spend quality time together is a good time,” Miller added.
Miller and Burnett define love as selfless. “It doesn’t keep track of wrongdoings, it’s not angry, and it gives you a purposeful life,” Miller said. They identify communication, problem solving, and humor as the most important aspects in a relationship. Every good relationship will have its fair share of conflict, but the important thing is knowing how to handle it effectively.
“You need to know how your significant other deals with anger, whether you are both good at resolving conflicts, and if you can both quickly forgive and forget,” Miller said.
Miller and Burnett offered further relationship tips. The first is never to tell your significant other that their opinion is wrong in serious situations. “It’s their opinion and you have to respect that whether you like it or not,” Miller said. Another is to not make choices when you’re angry or promises when you’re happy. Lastly, they said if you want something to last long, you must put in the effort.
Miller and Burnett shared some of their favorite things about each other. Miller loves how Burnett is selfless, a deep thinker, and a hard worker. Burnett loves how Miller is loyal, encouraging, honest, and he even said she saved his life.
Hannah Zercher and Dylan Taylor are also Parkland students in their final semester. They met several years ago through a mutual friend’s Halloween party, but officially became a couple about two and a half years ago.
Zercher and Taylor enjoy playing video games together, as well as pool. They also frequently drive around and talk about anything and everything. “We spend a lot of time together, so we know how to make almost anything fun,” Zercher said.
“We spend a lot of time together, so we know how to make almost anything fun”
Zercher defined love as a bond that is shared exclusively between two people. “It’s a special thing that two people share that is different from other relationships they have or had.” Taylor defined it as putting someone else’s needs before your own. Both Zercher and Taylor ultimately admit that love is difficult to define, because everyone experiences it differently.
These two both identified trust as one of the most important aspects in a relationship. Zercher also added patience and support for the other person.
When it comes to relationship tips or advice, Zercher and Taylor’s number one is not to go to bed angry.
“This is one of the worst things you can do, and it honestly just sets up the next day for failure,” Zercher said. “This is something that we both live by, and it really helps a lot.” The couple additionally recommended not hiding feelings from your partner and effectively picking your battles.
Lastly, Zercher and Taylor shared a few things they love about each other. Zercher loves Taylor’s dedication toward his passions, his very contagious laugh, and his admiration of the world. Taylor loves Zercher’s patience, her beautiful smile, and her uplifting aura.
Whether you’re spending it with your significant other, friends, family, or treating yourself, Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love.
