Something I really appreciate about my parents: They raised us girls to do, without expectation of return.  They have both always been the friend who would go out of their way to help, encourage or keep company.   My dad pretends to be a grouch, but there's a reason why I've never met a person who didn't like him.  He doesn't really care about pretenses, and the older he gets the more he doesn't take crap.  But teasing, he takes, and gives, and takes.  And he has a great laugh.  He's rough, but always caring.  And my mom, she doesn't even pretend to not be social.  You just have to walk in the door and you know better.  You're in on all the plans, changes, and crazy day happenings.  And if you've been to our house, you've probably been teased by one of them.  You've probably also been fed by my mom.  She's always willing to help me at her own inconvenience.  We were raised to help and to care.  To be okay with taking pains to help other people, and to not do it with the expectation that others will necessarily return the favor (though obviously we love when they do). 

My mom got out of bed this morning to drive me to the bus stop.  Half awake, and still pleasant.  :)  Not to mention, she let me interrupt her two nights ago in the middle of her favorite show so that I could watch the Sounders win the Open Cup>