My dad has totally screwed me up. Seriously. Because of him, there are several things that I can’t do that many people can. My love life, work life, and social life are all totally set apart because of the way that he raised me. Am I angry about it? Sometimes. Would I change it? Not a chance.

1. I can never be with a lazy man.

My dad worked ten hours a day in the hot sun and then came home to load wood and play with my sister and I. My dad was always doing something in the garage or in his woodshop, even when he was off the clock. He was helping my mother make our house clean, organized, and nice on the outside. When he wasn’t working, he was driving my sister and I to practices, recitals, the park, and friends’ houses. He’s the hardest working, most humble man I know, and I can’t settle for anyone less than him. I told my dad once, “If I can ever find a guy who is half the man that you are, then I’ll marry him."

2. I can bare to work at a job that I hate.

And trust me, I’ve worked at some horrible places. But my dad worked a really hard job for many years and still came home just happy to be with us. He taught me that working a job you love is important, but supporting yourself and your family, until that day comes, is crucial.

3. I don’t mind hard work.

My dad showed me every day that to get things done right, it’s going to take a lot of time and a lot of effort. And that’s okay. It makes everything feel so much more valuable when you’ve dug in with all the energy you had and made something of yourself. My dad worked his way into being someone that I’m extremely proud of.

4. I can never be with a man who talks down to me.

I’ve often heard that the best thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother. I can’t settle for anything less than the way my dad treats my mom. He’s always made the happiness of my mom, my sister, and I his top priority. That gave me an example of what a man should be. My parents act like teenagers and still love each other a stupid amount after 25 years of marriage.

5. I can’t spend time with friends who don’t value me.

This is a big one. My dad raised me to be respectful and kind to everyone I encounter. But there’s a difference between polite acquaintances and friends. He’s picky about the friends that he keeps and I think that’s the way it should be. It’s about quality, not quantity.

6. I can’t dumb myself down to please others.

My dad raised me to believe that I can breathe fire. He made sure that I read a lot of books and got good grades and worked hard. I value myself and my brain because of the way he held me to a higher standard. He forced me to be accountable for my thoughts and my actions. I hold myself to the same standard as a result.

This article is for all of the good dads out there. The ones who come home from work every night to play with their families. The ones who let go when their kids’ feet start peddling on their bike. The ones who show their kids ‘good music’ like The Beatles and ACDC. The ones who raise their sons to be respectful, and raise their daughters to know what they deserve. This is for to all of the dads who are shaping better human beings by being present, engaged, and loving.

Thank you.