Fathers Know Best

10 Life lessons taught by my Grandfather, Father, Uncles and other Male influences:

In honor of Father's day this Sunday I thought I'd pay tribute to all the fathers biological or not who have truly made an impact in my dating/romantic life. Whether or not you have a relationship with your biological father, there is no denying that it can determine how you are as a lover and mate in the future.

1. Make your own living so you will never have to depend on anyone else: My grandfather always taught to never put yourself in a situation where you need anyone to sustain you financially.
   
2. If you love your own body, others will love it too. I was once reminded that men don't necessarily go for the hottest girls in the room but, rather the most confident ones.
   
3. Do everything with excellence or don't do it at all. Yet another one of my grandfather's wise words. Never settle for mediocre.
   
4. Be with who makes YOU happy, nobody else. My dad believes it doesn't matter what anyone thinks of your partner as long as you are happy.
   
5. On a dinner date- eat normally! No guy wants to date someone who doesn't eat! Heard this by many male influences. Don't choose salads when you really want wings. Being genuine is more attractive than superficial.
   
6. "Beer before liquor never sicker, liquor before beer never fear" My uncle Tony told me this when I started college...Thank God he did ha!
   
7. Even if you are married- strive to look put together: Not sure who said this but, don't give up on looking nice because you've settled down.
   
8. Don't give away the entire movie during the 'previews': in essence, always keep an element of mystery to you.
   
9. "Mixed signals" are really not that complicated. They are just not what you want to hear: If you are getting 'mixed signals' It usually means they really aren't that into you. Throw the fish back in the water and keep fishing for more.
   
10. Age isn't that important when dating: My father has proved this advice with his dating selection in recent years. If there is a connection, other factors tend to be secondary.
    

Destination: Expiration??

There are few conversations in life that send chills down my spine- and not in a good way.

The " Let's talk" talk: meaning, you will most likely be single following the 'talk'

The " What have you been up to lately?" talk: often done in groups of same-sex peers (i.e girl's nights or High School reunions). These talks are usually done to confirm the information they already know about you by Facebook stalking you.

The best, and more applicable talk for this occasion is the "Your clock is ticking" talk. That friendly reminder that our relatives give us when we have passed the age in which they were: A) Married, B) pregnant with you or C) had their first divorce.

My friendly reminders began once I entered my twenties but, seem to be increasing their frequency as the years progress. This can only mean that if I am unmarried by 30, I can forecast the talk to occur twice weekly.

My grandmother likes to remind me that " Women should get married between 20-25"

My grandfather once advised that " I better get a move on it before all the good men are gone"

My Father loves to indirectly advise that " I should be on the search "

Just because I am 25 and unmarried does not mean I will never be married. Granted, I understand that being the eldest in my entire family comes with a lot of pressure on being the first to go to college, get a good job and bear the great-grandchildren but, it does not mean I am going to be the end to the family lineage. Since when is there an expiration date on when to settle down?

Let's focus on the highlights of being unmarried past the "expiration date" such as:

1) Not gaining post marriage or pregnancy weight :although there is a high risk of 'party pounds'

2) Being easier to travel with: Weekend getaways are more doable

3) Having total control of your bank accounts: unfortunately this also means its only your debt

These 'friendly' reminders that my value is depreciating quicker than Toyotas made in recent years are not fun. However, since it is evident that more are to come it is always good to remember that the expiration date on any food usually has a week more than the date provided; There's still time.