Well, we are at the end of another work week.  And we’re at the end of Guy Week.  We’ve learned that every girl should have a go-to guy for handy work around the house (or learn to do somethings yourself :)), how to avoid smooth talkers, your dream guy may not live in your same city, and to realize that there are some things that you are not willing to work through.  The same lessons can be applied to men when it comes to women.

As I was creating some of my posts this week, I sensed a resounding theme-that not everything is going to be “diamonds and Rose’, but it should be.” (Ha!  Sorry I couldn’t help it!  If you watch the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”, you totally got that!)  As I am coming upon another year of life, I’ve come to the realization that I should not be afraid to speak my truths.  I didn’t always speak up for myself when it mattered, according to Southern Mom.  And I’m inclined to agree with her. But as I’m approaching 31 in a just a few days (YIKES!), I realize I shouldn’t be afraid to speak my mind.  I shouldn’t be afraid to say what I need.  I shouldn’t be afraid to say what I want.  And I darn sure should not be afraid to go and get those things.

The posts this week are my truths.  They most likely are not yours.  And that’s ok.  The wonderfully splendid thing is that we are ALL different, so we each have a different story to tell.

One thing that I totally should have touched on was the relationships guys have with their daughters.  A father is the first interaction a little girl has with a man.  That relationship shapes this girl’s interactions with men for the rest of her life. If I can be candid, Southern Dad and I have had our relationship ups and downs.  I love my daddy fiercely, but there are some times where I just want him to leave me alone.  (And I think we can all relate to that on some level with both parents.) I try not to  dwell on that as I’m learning not to take him for granted.  Mainly because I think about my uncles that have passed, and I realize how blessed I am to still be able to pick up the phone and talk to my dad.  Unfortunately, not all of my cousins have that.  But they do have an extra angel in heaven looking down on them.

The good and bad things that are apparent in a daughter’s relationship with her father can (and most likely will) seep over into any and all romantic relationships she encounters.  And I can testify to that.  And even at my age, I’m still discovering things, good and bad, about my relationships.  And honestly, I don’t think I could have discovered these things without taking the time to work on and getting to know me.

So, if you are a man with a daughter, think about the relationship you have with her.  Think about how your presence or non-presence can manifest itself when it’s time for her to become a wife and mother.

Well, I guess I ended up talking about the father/daughter relationship after all. 🙂  I hope you all have an amazing weekend.  I know I am!  It’s officially Birthday Weekend!!!  (Well, technically not until 5:30 pm EST.)  Enjoy your Friday and Saturday and Sunday!  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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