I was 25 when I first became your dad.
Your mom and I had been trying for years to make our little family grow.
There were lots of highs and lows, but nothing would prepare me for the pure joy that fatherhood would bring into my life.
When I held you, my little princess, in my arms for the first time and you looked up at me, I knew right then and there that you and I were automatically best friends.
Sadly, at the same moment I realized you were mine forever, I also knew that eventually someday, some juvenile delinquent was going to come to MY house and take you on a date.
Believe me, I’m not thrilled about this idea.
If I had things my way, you’d be a big strong ox who is drafted as the first female NFL player with hair so long on your legs that it sticks out of your socks. Seems like a reasonable request right?
I think so.
However, while your mom and I talk about the future, mommy reminds me that eventually one day you, my little two-year-old girl, are going to grow up and I need to prepare myself so I’m not “that dad.”
To some degree, I am sure that is true, but while I am still super dad for the next 15 years, I plan on making sure you are armed with the tools that you need to successfully find someone that will respect you for the princess that you are.
A father’s job isn’t to teach his daughter how to be a lady – it’s to teach her how a lady should be treated.”
I give to you 9 Things I Hope You Will Always Remember When It Comes To Dating:
Photo by McKenzie Stewart Photography
9. JUST BECAUSE HE HAS A SMART PHONE, DOESN’T MEAN HE IS SMART: That saying came from a recent conference that our church had and I think there is a lot of wisdom in it. I can’t tell you how many times I have walked into a room of teenagers and they’re all “plugged in” and missing out on life.
I encourage you to date someone who is interested in you and not in how many likes his recent picture of his cat wearing a mustache has on Instagram.
8. YOU ALWAYS DESERVE BETTER: Personal worth is something that I have seen deteriorate a lot in society. Settling for someone that could someday become someone that you may or may not be able to have a successful relationship is a waste of your time.
I hope you know that you deserve someone who is honest, stalwart and trustworthy. Though no one is perfect and we all have things we can improve, I hope you know that a boy with standards that respects you is someone worth going to get ice cream with.
7. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL: Self confidence is a hard thing to teach. We live in a world of bullying that reaches the inner most feelings of every young person in new and ugly ways. Cyber bullying and old fashion “haters” at school is something I worry about daily.
As a father, I hope I can shield you from these people and help you understand that beauty truly does come from the inside. I hope I can instill in you self-confidence that will help you leap over the hurdles of teenager-hood and find success in all aspects of your life.
6. HAVE FUN: This is one of the most important things about dating. When I first started dating I would always try to date in groups of friends. We would have contests to see who could come up with the most creative and fun
5. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE: I remember years back when a dad became an internet sensation after taking his daughter’s laptop in the backyard and introducing it to his 45. She had said some inappropriate things about her mom online and this dad definitely wanted to drive home a lesson with some dramatic flare.
As a dad now, I kind of get why he did. He wanted to instill a life lesson that would help his daughter understand the gravity of her decisions.
When dating, there are so many things that can happen that have life altering consequences.
Choosing who you surround yourself with ultimately reflects on who you are as a person.
I won’t be as dramatic as the dad I mentioned, but I hope I have done my job as a father so that you know how important it is to stay true to yourself and when making choices, to remember who you are and where you came from.
Doing this will help you avoid the pains of costly mistakes.
4. NOTHING GOOD EVER HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT: My parents used to hammer this into me time and time again. I used to roll my eyes and say “sure mom, sounds good.” As I have gotten older it has turned out that (like so many other things) my parents were exactly right.
Curfews will definitely be a thing that is strictly enforced in our house. I am sure you will squeeze out every second you can, but it’s because I love you and want you to be safe that your potential prince charming will have you home on time and safe.
3. MODEST IS THE HOTTEST: It seems as time has gone on fashions have strived more and more to push the envelope and sell the notion that the more skin you show, the more guys will like you. One of the greatest things about your mom is that when we dated she understood this couldn’t be further from the truth.
She always tells me that the way she dresses reflects how she views and feels about herself. She is wise. A girl who confidently understands that being modestly dressed, shows her desire to be above lowering herself just to get a guy to look her way.
2. LAUGH: One of my favoritest things about your mom is how she can make me laugh no matter where or what we are doing. When we were dating I was amazed at the light that she brought into the eyes of anyone she talked to. I knew that no matter where we went or what we did on a date, I would have fun because of the smile she would bring to my face.
I hope you understand the importance of laughter and that you don’t date Debbie Downers. Life is too short.
1. I LOVED YOU FIRST: Ultimately, I know that I will have some influence on the boys that come over to our house. I will work hard to let them know that I have a shotgun and a shovel ready at a moment’s notice and I am not afraid to return to prison. 🙂
No matter what happens in your dating life, I hope you always know how much your dad loves you.
Guys will come and guys will go, but your dad will always be around thinking of the days of Bubble Guppies and Frozen. I will be there to hold you and wipe your tears and also to jump around celebrating your successes. Whatever comes your way, you will always be my princess.
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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day! 
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