I never learned how to play catch, I never went fishing, and I never had that stereotypical "first-date" experience, like in TV sitcoms where the Dad stares down the new boyfriend, threatening his basic existence if he ever hurts his daughter.

Growing up, I felt like the weirdest little kid-- we'd make crafts in elementary school to give to our dads for Father's Day....so what the hell was I supposed to do?

And my imagination of my future wedding day was always thwarted by the fact that I'd never have a father to walk me down the aisle.

I grew up without a father.But it's okay. I am surrounded by a different kind of family-- a mom, a dog, a half-sister, and two loving grandparents who live right across the street.

Without being a "Daddy's Girl", I feel like I missed a lot of normal rites of passage for girls my age. But by growing up without a father, I got to experience unique kinds of rites of passage instead.

I grew up with my mom grilling the guys I brought home. Ladies, if you thought your dad was embarrassing, you have no idea what it's like to have your mom being the one threatening a guy you're going on a first date with. Honestly, "Don't you dare think about breaking my daughter's heart..." sounds a lot scary from a mother. I promise.

And in the end, when the boy did inevitably break my heart, my mom was there to wipe away the tears and make me cookie dough, and damn him to Hell all at the same time.

There is a 24/7 open door policy on all bathrooms, and pants are never necessary in my house, due to the lack of men in our natural habitat.

And as a child, a lot of my weekends could be likened to a sleepover with my best friend. Since it was just the two of us, we'd paint our nails, make popcorn, and watch chick flicks like nobody's business. To this day, Miss Congeniality and Princess Diaries only brings back memories of Friday nights with my mom.

My friend's dads have become surrogate fathers to me. It's pretty much the best of both worlds. I can text them or ask them for advice whenever I need it, but I never get in trouble because I'm not actually their daughter. Score.

And now that I'm in college, there really aren't a lot of secrets between mom and I. While a Dad might still be trying to look after me, and be that protective father figure, Mom knows I'm responsible. She honestly just hopes I don't get another Saturday-night induced concussion again. Oops.

Sure, I was never put on a sports team, or did typical Dad-Daughter stuff. I got shopping trips, Broadway shows, and mani-pedis.

But instead, I grew up loving a mother who provided for our family, cooked, cleaned, picked me up from every practice, became my best friend, and has shown me how fun it is to live life unconventionally.

And most importantly, I learned to see other male figures in my life as role models. Mom's guy friends, my uncle, and most importantly, my grandfather. Through him, I have learned that a father figure doesn't need to be fulfilled through the man who contributed to half of my DNA.

With him, he has taught me how to golf, not take life too seriously, and most importantly, love with my entire heart.

So, while my childhood was not founded upon the most common rites of passage, and I really seriously don't understand any sports, I know who's walking me down the aisle someday. And even though it won't be my father, it will be someone much better.