Because of my dad I have high expectations for my future lover. I grew up watching my father drool over my mother every time he saw her; I grew up learning what true love looks like. It looks like my dad grabbing my mom up as soon as he got off work and giving her one of those kisses that whispers “I crave you.” It looks like my mom comparing herself to other women and my dad responding, “You’re the most beautiful of all.” It looks like my dad whistling at my mom every time she walks out of her bedroom, no matter what she was wearing. It looks like my dad uplifting my mom every time she got down on herself. It looks like my dad kissing my mom everyday as soon as he walks in the door after work. It looks like treating each other’s family like your own. It looks like my dad remaining faithful to my mom ever since they began their lifelong journey together in high school. It looks like fighting for the one you love and not giving up when it seems convenient.

Because of my dad, I know my worth. My dad is easily my biggest supporter; he rarely ever missed any sporting events or academic awards days. I know that I deserve someone who loves me as deeply as my dad loves my mom. My dad has also pushed me to be the best that I can be in anything I do— from sports to academics to even fishing. My dad has always seen the potential I don’t see in myself and I’m forever grateful for his uplifting spirit.

Because of my dad, I have a strong foundational faith in Christ. Not only did my father show me what true love looks like by expressing that love to my mother daily, but he taught me that I need to know that I must seek a relationship with God before I seek a relationship with a man. He taught me that no one’s love will ever compare to that of God’s.

Because of my dad, I strive to be the best I can be. He instilled a love for wanting to be better in order to impress him. I’ve always known that when my dad is proud of me, I’m doing something right. I absolutely hate disappointing him, and for that I am a better person. I yearn for success. I’ve watched my dad do everything in his ability to provide my family with everything we want and more— he instilled a good work ethic in me by having one himself.

My whole life my dad has ensured that I have everything I need and want. He has guided me through my childhood and prepared me for my future. Through support, fights, and tough love, my dad has instilled success in my mind. My parents also instilled in me the true meaning of being in love. I know no one is perfect and arguments are inevitable, but I also know that nothing worth having comes easily. Marriage is a commitment that I intend to uphold for the rest of my life. I am not here to say that I want a love just like my parents’, but I am saying that my dad is the reason I will not settle for less than I deserve in a relationship or life in general.