In the parent department, I have been pretty blessed. This is obvious in many ways, one of them being that my dad is my best friend. Here are 10 ways that dating is different when your dad is your best friend.

1. HIGH expectations.

This is pretty broad; however, it is too true. My dad set the best example, so any man would have to be just as incredible (or more) to even have a chance with me. I look for my dad in any guy that tries to pursue me, and if I can't find similar characteristics, I won't waste his time or mine.

2. You refuse to settle.

This is a given. When a guy is pursuing me and he doesn't measure up to those high expectations (See number 1.), I don't hesitate to kick him to the curb. This might seem rude or cruel to some, but after seeing the way a man should be versus the way he is, it's really a no-brainer.

3. You are used to being spoiled.

I don't mean that I expect you to buy things for me, but I do expect dinner dates, fishing trips, movie nights and so on. I don't expect to be spoiled with money, but your time is definitely a must. My dad worked seven days a week for 17 years, and he still made time for all of those things. I think you can manage.

4. You are independent.

While I am used to being spoiled--and it is nice--I know how to be independent. Guys have to understand that sometimes I like my space, and I actually need it. My dad taught me that I could want a man, but I should never rely on one. He taught me how to stand on my own two feet and to do my own thing sometimes.

5. You need a secret keeper.

This is a big deal. I gossip to my dad like he's one of my girlfriends. Which means that if I'm thinking about dating you, then my dad already knows about you. However, he never spills a word to anyone about what I say, which I would expect from a guy. If I can't gossip to you and trust you not to say anything, then it's probably not going to work.

6. Any pursuer must be supportive

No matter what crazy idea I have had, my dad has been supportive of all of them, even the ones that were a little out there. For example, moving three hours away from him for college seemed crazy, but not once did he try to stop me. He knew that I was going where was best for me and that he wouldn't stand in my way. Much the same, I would expect a guy to understand that if he tries to hold me back from following my dreams, it won't work out well.

7. RESPECT.

Any prospect should show an outstanding amount of respect towards me. If you are a prospect, that means you should hold the door open for me or do just the small but meaningful things. Also in this category falls never putting your hands on me in an unloving way. I mean, on one hand, you should probably be scared if you do, but also understand that I have zero tolerance for that. When you speak of me, you should only speak of me in the most respectful way; if you can't treat me in a loving and respectful way, I will drop you quicker than you know what happened. I've always been shown respect and love, and I won't take any less now.

8. Any prospect should be a good listener.

There are some days that the world is sitting on my shoulders and I need to rant. My go-to person is my dad. No matter what he is doing, he takes time out of his day to listen to my problems, much like I would expect any guy to do. I'm not going to demand that a guy drop everything to listen to me, but he also needs to understand that I need to be able to talk to him on my worst days.

9. You need someone who is tolerant.

Through being so close with my dad and being treated so well, I have also become a little bit of a brat. If things don't go my way, I tend to get on the grouchy side, much the same way that I tend to be when I am tired or sick. I need someone that is tolerant of my grouchy side and can also let me know when I need to change my tune. Sometimes this happens and I don't really realize it, so if a guy is the type to get offended quickly, this probably wouldn't work. My dad is one of the most level-headed, calm and tolerant people I know, which is good because I'm a pro at pushing peoples buttons.

10. If my dad doesn't like you, it won't work.

My dad is my best friend. He has obviously been there for every major life event, supporting me, encouraging me, listening to my rants and showing me exactly how I deserve to be treated. If at any point he doesn't think you are treating me right or he doesn't like you, it will never work. My dad is one of the kindest, most understanding and friendliest people you will ever meet, so for him to say he doesn't like you, then it's pretty clear you aren't the one for me.