Growing up, many dads instill lessons in us that are important and special, staying with us for years to come. The dads who are constants often teach us how a true man should love and treat their families, especially their kids.
Although not all dads are a constant presence in our lives, there are even lessons that we learn from those that have walked away or left us to fend for ourselves.
The value of life, even in bugs.
“When I was little I used to catch lightning bugs and rip their lights off. One night my dad caught me doing this and explained to me that the little bug has a life and that I have to let him live his little life. And for some reason, that’s something I remember so vividly from my childhood,” said stanxo .
That they’re worthy of anyone’s time.
SkylineBear said that when they were younger, their parents got divorced and their dad lived 45 minutes away. But, he drove every Friday to get her, as she spent the weekends there growing up. No matter what or how long the drive, he always showed up.
A real man will care more about you instead of trying to look “manly”.
t2b123 said her dad was a tough guy, into motorcycles and all that. But, he always was the one to dress up with her, paint her nails, and put curlers in her hair. No matter what, a man will always want to do things for you if he loves you.
What true love should look like.
“My dad taught me what a life partner should be like. He and my mum have an awesome relationship and, going on thirty-five years together, they’re still just as in love, supportive, and caring towards each other as newlyweds,” said RadiumGirl .
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Empathy.
glitzyjan said her father taught her empathy and to always try to help others. Her dad had cancer and even though he was sick, he still went out of his way to help other people as much as he possibly could.
Always have a backup plan.
JOOMG said her father said to always have a backup plan for just about everything in life. If you are going on vacation, bring some extra money. If you are working, save some of your paychecks for a rainy day, etc.
A very important life lesson.
“My Pops always told my sister and I…’Go to college, graduate. Travel the world, buy your first house, get your first dog. Find a job that fulfills you. Travel the world, again. And then, if you still feel something is missing – find a man,'” shared Thedogsthatgowoof .
Your family isn’t always blood.
bjeanjade said her dad abandoned her when she was three because he didn’t want a daughter. In life, she learned that the people who are your family don’t always have to be those who are in your actual family tree.
Don’t trust everyone.
“That you should never trust anyone by default. Just cause someone’s related to you doesn’t mean they’ll be good to you. You don’t have to love your parents/siblings/etc. No matter what anyone says,” said _twasbitchin_ .
Solve your own problems.
effw0rd shared that her father taught her to always solve her own problems but when it comes down to it, learn how to ask for help when you truly need it. Don’t be ashamed to need someone else to help you.
Don’t rely on a man.
lipstickjunkie91 said her father taught her to never rely on a man for anything and to always make sure she was independent. She left home three days before she turned 18 and now she has a successful career and is debt free and pays her own bills at 23.
Men cry too.
sjgw137 shared her father showed and taught her that it’s okay for men to show emotion and cry. He cried a lot throughout her life and showed her that he’s a true man who is comfortable with showing emotion.
What not to do.
“My father inadvertently taught me lots of things by acting as the example of what not to do. Money, jobs, relationships, priorities… though I’ve had failures along the way, I have ultimately succeeded by doing the opposite of what he did,” said another Reddit user.
Basic car maintenance.
politicaldan said that her dad taught her basic car maintenance and how to maintain her car, which saved her a ton of money over the years and made it easier for her to fix up things when needed.
Stay away from drugs.
“Not to do drugs. My dad was a meth addict so he taught me…what not to do. I’ve never done any hard drugs because of it, and I have seen a lot of my friends go down bad paths (jail and death) due to their drug use,” said MofuckaMofucka .
