Dear Intimidating Dad,
Every guy has been there. You nervously pull into a girl’s driveway in your beat-up starter car that is shaking almost as bad as you are. You then open your door and take a few steps up to the front door scripting what you want to say and how you want to say it. Everybody says that the first impression is the most important so everything about you is aimed to impress whoever it is that opens that door a few inches from your face.
Next thing you know the door is opened and you are standing in a softly lit living room with the girl who has been giving you butterflies for the past few weeks. But for some reason someone else is causing your heart to beat out of your chest. The man sitting across the room now has your attention as you nod along to your date introducing you to her mom. The man stands up and introduces himself as the girl’s father with a firm handshake that makes you rethink your motives for hanging out with his daughter. Little do you know at the time that he would be as influential as his daughter is on your future.
Fast forward about 4 years to where I am now in my life. Thoughts about the girl sprinkle into your life here and there when you hear a song or see a certain building, but the power of her Dad’s respect sticks with you as a life lesson. If I could go back in time I would thank this man for confidence, he gave me. This was the type of life hardened man that worked tirelessly for everything that him and his family had and he knew damn well that he wouldn’t let his daughter settle for anything less than what she deserved. The way he spoke demanded a straight answer and meant that I, in hand, had to work for his respect. Once I got to the point where I felt like I had earned it was the most profitable part of the relationship. What I learned from him did not hit me immediately but now it rings loud and clear. They are lessons that I feel many guys gain from experiencing a true to life intimidating Dad.
You learn that you better respect a man’s daughter no matter how she treats you. It does not matter how a relationship begins or ends, she will always be his world and you better treat her accordingly. Next you realize that you should take pride in what you have in your life. Whatever family, friends, or special interests you have you should not be scared to talk about them and make them feel special. And lastly you conclude that your daughter is going to have the greatest life that you can provide for her. She might complain about your open-door policy, your curfew, or you denying her going to a party. But she will never doubt the love that you have for her like I never doubted the love this man had for his daughter. What was meant to seem intimidating instead became endearing and meaningful. So thank you Intimidating Dad because of you I am going to be a much better man and father.
Sincerely,
Daniel
