Advice comes from near and far, from our close friends to the people who think they know us because we’re Facebook friends. But the advice we want most, the advice we need most comes from someone even closer. He is one of your first teachers and supporters. If you are worried about anything he will help you and show you the way; when it is too dark to see, he’ll show you the light. He’s your dad.
1. Try it in college.
You only get one chance to study whatever you want to have a wide variety of experiences; take it. You don’t need to be masculine in order to learn how to build a car or become a doctor. Look at every option you have and take advantage of them. My dad also taught me to also have fun in college–his best stories are from his college days because he knew to do the crazy things when he could.
2. He isn’t worth it.
When your heart is broken for the first time you run back to the first man that loved you. At the times your world falls apart your dad is one of the best people to put the puzzle pieces back together. He once was the stupid guy that hurt a girl, but now he is the guy that fixes it. He knows that someone else is better and he probably hated that guy the whole time.
3. Defend yourself.
Kindness is the first option, but my dad also taught me to stand up for myself. If you are being disrespected or taken advantage of, follow your dads’ lead. Whether it is learning how to shoot a gun or how to be assertive in certain situations, he showed you the ropes. You can do it because he believes in you.
4. Try before you buy…
“You wouldn’t buy shoes before trying them on,” my dad says. While this does pertain to footwear, this means exploring your options and being sure that what you are getting–or whom you are getting–is what you really want. You don’t know until you put your toes in the water a little bit.
5. Be you. Always.
The only thing that matters is that you like yourself. If you aren’t having fun or you’re not staying true to yourself, stop what you are doing. Be comfortable in your own body and mind. Be confident in who you are and don’t worry about what other people think. There is nothing you can do to make him stop loving you, show him you love yourself too.
6. It’s okay to fall, he’ll catch you.
My parents are rock-climbers, the thrill of being outside in the Utah air and pulling yourself up a vertical wall is a feeling they crave; it took me a while to get a few feet of the ground. But when I did, he made me jump off so that I could trust the rope and not be afraid. Once I did, I realized that I could go as high as I wanted, he would never let me fall. Even as a collegiette, I know I can climb any mountain because he won’t let me down.
Thank you, Dad, for the best advice I could ever have asked for. You taught me some of the most important lessons in my life. You taught me how to laugh, invent, and respect myself. Thank you for always being here for me and for always pushing me a little bit.
Editor Note: This article is dedicated to Joseph Skrivan.