Somehow my dad ended up with three daughters and no sons. That can be seen as both a blessing and a curse for a father. It’s no secret that a daughter will always be “daddy’s little girl,” but at times it can be hard for a father and daughter to relate to each other. Then again, a father/daughter relationship can become one of the most beautiful relationships in life. It’s a relationship that a girl will cherish forever. So, as a girl with arguably the world’s most amazing dad, I wanted to take a chance to really thank him.

To my dad,

Thank you for putting up with my drama. Daughters are undoubtedly more high-maintenance than sons. Between puberty, boy drama, and mood swings, there a lot of things a father might not understand about his daughter. Somehow you’ve managed to not only put up with it, but also help me get through it all. Not all girls are lucky enough to have a mother figure that they can talk to about “girl stuff,” and dads have to step up to the plate. You made me feel comfortable talking to you and lucky to have you around.

Thank you for bringing out my tough side. Being dolled up and fabulous is always fun (because I totally feel like a celebrity), but you showed me the importance in bringing out my tough side. I could be in a dress and wedges with my hair and makeup done on a Saturday night, but come Sunday, I’ll be in a sweatshirt and leggings on the back of my dad’s motorcycle. You’ve showed me that there’s more to life than makeup tutorials. You always wanted to bond over shoving our faces with food or having a wrestling match in the kitchen, as if I even had a chance at beating you. You rough house with me as if you had sons, but I love that you don't treat me like a fragile little girl. You’ve made me stronger in more ways than one, and I’m not afraid to face life’s battles.

Thank you for having my back. You’ve shown me that I never have to face life alone. You’ve had my back no matter what, even if I’m not necessarily right all the time. You’ve got the classic dad stuff down (as in “I’ll kill the boy who breaks your heart”). Then, there’s the extra mile that you go for me. You’ve always bragged about me to your friends, helped me with homework and projects, cheered me on at every sport or task I’ve ever taken on, and picked me up and brushed me off when life knocked me down. Life isn’t always the kindest friend, and I can’t imagine how hard it is to watch your daughter when she’s hurting. You’ve always managed to help me through every curveball thrown my way. In the end, even just a hug from my number one guy can fix a lot.

Thank you for showing me the real meaning of love. At age 13, I probably told you I was in love nine different times within the time span of three weeks. I thought I knew what love was because I clearly thought I knew everything at that age. In reality, you were the only one who could show me how a girl should be treated. I was always a princess in your eyes, and I can’t thank you enough for showing me that I deserve the world. You taught me to never settle and to believe in myself. I’m far from perfect, but because of you, I have learned to be confident and love who I am. I have also learned to be forgiving and loving toward others, thanks to you. I have made my fair share of mistakes, but you never gave up on me or thought less of me. You always loved me unconditionally. I know this for certain because you still let me sit on your lap like I did when I was two, even though I'm a tad bit bigger now and it really kills your old man legs.

So, Dad, my one rule is simple: You have to live forever because I will always want and need you around, and I'm sure there are a million lessons you haven't taught me yet.

Love,

Your favorite daughter

PS - Don't worry, I won't tell my sisters that I'm your favorite.