As a girl who rarely ever has a boyfriend and who isn't into random hook-ups, I am often referred to as picky, high-maintenance and even down-right crazy. Well, maybe I am a little more choosy than necessary, but I take pride in the fact that I refuse to settle on boys that clearly do not deserve my time. And while kissing is always a fun time in my book, I am not one to go all the way with someone who doesn't know a thing about me besides my name. While some people may deem this behavior as "prudish," it rings as classic self-respect in my ears. I have no other person to blame for this than my father — his unconditional love has shown me the only sort of treatment I should accept from not only men but myself as well.
I am fortunate enough to say that the love my father showed me in the short time he was here goes beyond words. I was more to him than a daughter — I was his world, and he would always go out of his way just to see me smile. The love he had in his heart for me was not something he proclaimed, but something that was apparent merely through his actions. With his constant display of care, support and encouragement, I can't help but to hold myself in that same regard, and am quick to expect that behavior from all the men who are interested in me as well.
The sad truth is, many men are just interested in an ego boost and instant gratification more than they are really interested in me. Of course, they don't make it come across this way, but I have come to know better. My dad would be more than disappointed if I ever fell for a boy's words over his actions because he showed me better than that. He showed me that if a guy really cared, he would do as much as he could to prove it to me, no matter how much or how little money he possessed.
While there are a handful of men out there who are clear with their intentions, my father's love has shown me that respecting myself is equally as crucial to making sure that men respect me. Of course, I do not judge other girls for sleeping around, because we are all entitled to our own lifestyles and beliefs, but that being said, it is just not a lifestyle that appeals to me. The strength that my father passed along to me causes me to be selective when it comes to sharing such a vulnerable and intimate moment such as that with someone, and a man attracted to me for merely just my looks is not a man worth sharing that moment with.
As a hopeless romantic myself, I have had my fair share of weaknesses when it comes to men, but I am blessed that my father has made my standards so high because it has helped given me the strength to walk away from these same men who have wronged me. Having a father who has given me nothing short of the world has made it nearly impossible for me to accept anything less. I am not afraid to face this world alone because I would rather be alone than settle for someone that does not make me feel truly loved. Thank you, Dad, for showing me what that true love feels like. Thanks to you, I have been saved a ton of time and heartbreak, and for that I am eternally grateful.
