Pakistan

10 reasons why a father-daughter relationship is the most important relationship in a woman’s life

This Father's Day, let's pay tribute to the man who made us who we are today, ladies.

Sana Lokhandwala January 30, 2010

A PROUD KARACHIITE: Fathers have the most profound impact on their daughters’ lives and there is nothing better than a positive father-daughter relationship. It is generally believed that children are closer to their moms but there is no denying the fact that daughters are closer to their dads. Here’s why a father-daughter relationship is the most important relationship in a woman’s life:

1. Your father is the first man in your life and therefore the first male role model.

There is a strong need for a young girl to have a positive male role model in her life. A father who respects his wife, daughter and other women helps his daughter trust and respect the opposite gender too. A father sets the standard by which his daughter will judge and view other men.

2. A father has an influence on his daughter’s self-image

Your father’s relationship with your mom, and you, helps you realise the importance of a woman in a man’s life and your own self-worth.

3. A father helps his daughter to be confident and assertive

A father, who allows his daughter to express her feelings and be assertive, helps his daughter to be confident and assertive. If she can’t do it with her father, she won’t be able to do it with her male boss, a male friend, boyfriend or husband.

4. Only a supportive father can help his daughter grow up to be an independent woman

A father encourages his daughter to dream big and gives her the foundation to go after her dreams. A supportive father never stops his daughter from flying high. Behind every successful woman is a supporting father who doesn’t care about what other people think.

5. A father helps his daughter be self-sufficient and self-reliant

A father picks you up when you fall down but he is the one person in a daughter’s life who helps her become self-sufficient and self-reliant. Your father may treat you like a princess and be your ATM, but that will do more harm than good. A daughter who is financially self-reliant will never pick a man for his money. A good father will never let his daughter rely on anyone, not even on himself.

6. A father sets gender roles for his daughter

It is a father’s responsibility to show his daughter that there’s nothing like “a woman’s job” or “a man’s job.” A good father will teach his daughter how to change a flat tire and will help his wife with household chores.

7. A daughter always turns to her father when she is in trouble

A daughter feels safe and protected with her father. She knows if there’s a man in her life who will never bail out on her and will always be there for her – that’s her father. She knows she can call her father at any hour of the day and he will be there for her. No one can ever give her that sense of security and commitment.

8. A father helps his daughter overcome insecurities

A father makes his daughter feel like the most beautiful person in the world. You may not be perfect but you will always be the perfect girl to your father. He helps his daughter overcome insecurities and imperfections.

9. A father helps his daughter avoid toxic relationships in her life

A father who is compassionate, supportive and respectful helps his daughter avoid toxic relationships in her life. He sets the ground for how she will be treated by others, especially, men.

10. A father helps define his daughter’s future relationships

A woman’s relationship with her father and her father’s relationship with her mother shapes her expectations for a future romantic relationship with her partner. A woman’s choice of a husband consciously and unconsciously depends on her father.