Life
9 Subtle Ways Your Dad Shows You He Loves You
Not all dads are like Danny Tanner from Full House. You know, always smiling and cleaning and having heart-to-hearts with their daughters. There are all different types of dads in this world, and some just aren't that great about showing their feelings — but just because your dad isn’t an openly affectionate let’s-talk-about-our-feelings kind of dude doesn’t mean he doesn’t adore you. I know this because of my dad, who is undoubtedly one of the coolest and kindest around. He’s never been one to talk about his feelings, but I can tell how much he loves me through all of the little thoughtful things he does for me.
If your dad’s more Ron Swanson than Ward Cleaver when it comes to expressing his emotions, this list’s for you. He doesn’t dote on you constantly or hold your hand through major life crises (tough love’s his motto), but when he does offer a few words of advice, they’re dead-on… and when he does dote on you, you feel so happy you could burst into a million frickin’ pieces. All the feels!
This Father’s Day — as you stress out about what to buy for your super hard-to-read dad and end up giving him a gift card again — think about all these sweet ways he shows you he loves you, even though he’s not super emotional. Because he’s the best.
1. He’s always trying to do favors for you
If you mention that you're looking into buying a new blender, cellphone, or some other gadget, he immediately compares prices and finds you the best deal out there, unasked. Whenever you see him, he probably offers to fix things for you, or vacuum out the inside of your car.
2. He prides himself on being your car guru
When my old car broke down, my dad helped me lease a new one within my budget from three states away. Chances are, your dad's also super into helping you out with car troubles.
3. He never lets you pay for things
No matter how old you are, when you go out to dinner or to the movies with your dad, he insists on paying for you. After all, you're still his little girl.
4. He brags about you to his friends
He'd never tell you that he was bragging about you, but when his hunting buddy or the next-door neighbor brings up your job promotion or upcoming marathon, he's totally given away.
5. He always helps you move
Into your college dorm, your first duplex, a walk-up apartment... he's there figuring which way to turn your couch to get it up the stairs, even if he has a bad back and shouldn't be helping.
6. He will do anything to help you out of a tough spot
If you're completely broke and can't afford your rent one month, he makes an exception. He may not say it, but you're his baby, and that's that.
7. He gets excited when you bond over a shared interest
Whether you both love The Velvet Underground, hiking, or Game of Thrones, he'll eagerly call or text you about it.
8. He's picky about the people you date
Each new boyfriend or girlfriend has to get a preliminary grilling.
9. He hugs you when it counts most
He's not a touchy-feely guy who says "I love you" on the phone, but when you do see him and he gives you a big hug, you feel super loved.
