As my daughter, a spirited 4-year-old, flits between being a fierce ninja and a magical princess who conjures castles, she embodies a vibrant, confident spirit. It’s my mission to ensure that her radiant self-assurance remains unshaken as she grows. Though dating is still a long way off, I know that one day, she’ll want to explore relationships, possibly with boys who may not always have her best interests at heart. While I plan to support her independence and choices, I also want to equip her with some essential wisdom to guide her through this journey.
Insights for My Daughter
So, here’s a list of insights for my daughter to consider when she eventually enters the dating scene:
- He should truly admire you. This is a must. You deserve to be the center of his universe, not an afterthought or an ignored message.
- However, being “too nice” isn’t genuine. He should be able to call you out when you need it.
- Always trust your instincts over fleeting feelings. Hormones can be tricky; instincts are your true compass.
- If he ever tries to isolate you from friends or family, it’s time to grab your phone, call a ride, and walk away without looking back.
- Laughter is vital. If he doesn’t make you laugh now, he probably won’t when you’re both reminiscing at 90 over colon-ease cocktails.
- An apology should come easy for him — and for you too. Let’s practice that, okay?
- If he’s constantly doubting your loyalty, his phone is likely locked for good reason.
- He should prioritize your pleasure as much as his own.
- Explore different types of people. You might be surprised by who makes you feel most alive.
- You should be able to engage in deep conversations for hours.
- If he can laugh at himself after making a mistake, keep him around.
- Remember, your body, your rules. Period.
- Observe how he treats his mom. This often reflects how he’ll treat you. Equally important is how his dad treats his mom; these patterns can influence future relationships.
- If your self-esteem has plummeted since meeting him, don’t just walk away—run.
- Ensure you take care of yourself.
- If he enjoys playing mind games, he’s not worth your time. Move on, little boy.
- And don’t play games yourself. If you’re not interested, kindly let him go.
- Avoid dating your friends’ exes. Even if they say it’s fine, feelings can be complicated. You’ll want your friends around when you need them.
- Finally, when you’re ready to settle down, envision your life 50 years down the line. Consider where you want to be, what you want to do, and who you want to be with. Does he fit into that vision? Does he make you laugh until noodles come out your nose? Hair doesn’t matter as much as connection!
This is just a starting point, and I’m sure I’ll have many more lessons to share in the years leading up to your dating adventures. My ultimate goal is to protect your vibrant spirit and ensure no one makes you feel less than extraordinary. And, if they could also encourage you to eat your vegetables, that would be a bonus!
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Summary: As my daughter grows, I aim to prepare her for the world of dating with essential insights that promote self-worth and healthy relationships. From recognizing genuine affection to understanding her own needs, these lessons will empower her as she navigates future connections.