FatherS' Day

We all get our ideas of relationship from somewhere. Our parents, relatives, friends, television, movies, books, etc. Single and swiftly approaching thirty, I sometimes wonder how my upbringing has formed my outlook on dating. I was raised by a single mother with a strong family support system. When bio dad decided he wasn’t ready to be a father, my grandfather took on that role with the help of my four uncles. My mother was my primary parent and she married in my late teens. Thankfully, she didn’t bring a lot of men in and out of our home and I never viewed her as needy or shamelessly seeking love (or any of the other negative stigmas that surround single moms). Ironically, although I lived with my single mother, my ideas of relationship, marriage, and family were mostly shaped by the relationships of the men in my life. My uncles were so close in age that I viewed them more as older brothers. Their successes and failures and boyfriends, husbands, and fathers have shown me the qualities and characteristics I want (and don’t want) in a mate. My grandfather, full of old fashioned values, constantly renews my belief in the importance of a man’s role, chivalry, and a spiritual connection. And as my grandparents prepare to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, I more than anything appreciate his commitment to marriage and family. He’s shown me that relationships are hard work and love is just the starting point to a successful relationship.
I recognize, flaws and all, that I am fortunate to have these men in my life. I know many women raised by single mothers long for the love and affection they missed from their fathers and look for that in relationships with men, usually leading to a path of destruction full of neediness and misplaced emotions.
Happy Fathers’ Day to my mom, grandfather and uncles! Thanks having a positive impact on my view of relationships and marriage. How have the people in your life impacted your relationships?

I am
Singleinatl