Dads are complicated, loveable creatures. There’s nothing that you can do to make them more loving and more respectful of you, but there is something you can do to make them more willing to allow you into their lives if you are ready to accept this. If you want to learn how to have a good relationship with your dad, start by asking him what his family priorities are. Does he want to spend time with you? Do you need him to help financially? Are you two on a level when it comes to your relationships?
How to Have a Good Relationship With Your Dad
Most dads don’t have easy answers for those who want to know how to have a good relationship with their dad. Your dad probably doesn’t want to talk about his feelings, so don’t force the issue. He may not even realize that he’s unfaithful or neglectful. If you do bring up the subject, be sure that you’re calm, respectful, and don’t accuse him of anything.
In order to learn how to have a good relationship with your dad, you’ll have to open up about your own feelings, too. Your dad may not want to talk about the problems you’re having in your relationship, so don’t use that as an opportunity to attack him. In order to get him to talk about his feelings, you’ll need to find out what’s going on in his head. Don’t accuse him of neglecting you when he’s actually doing everything he can to spend time with you and provide financial support.
If you want to learn how to have a good relationship with your dad, it’s also important for you to spend time with him. If he seems to spend too much time at work or at home, talk to him about how he’d like to spend more time with you. Ask him if he wants to go out on a Saturday to dinner with you or spend time with your friends. You can also send him text messages or phone calls during the day.
Learning how to have a good relationship with your dad is about respecting his time and helping him to realize that he does have other things to spend time on. Dad’s day is almost always the last weekend in May. If you, too, have been trying to plan a date for months, this is probably not the best time to meet. If your dad has a special weekend in his calendar that he wants to spend with you, try and make that date available for a date.
Another part of learning how to have a good relationship with your dad involves supporting him in his hobbies and interests. If you think that he may have a hobby that you’re interested in, but he doesn’t discuss it with you, encourage him to tell you about it. It may not seem like a big deal now, but over time, you two will be more comfortable with each other when he shares his passions with you.
Learning how to have a good relationship with your dad also includes supporting him financially. If you are still supporting yourself, it may seem strange to want your father to help you financially, but many men want their daughters to have their own money. If you spend money on your daughter, she’ll feel closer to you.
Finally, learning how to have a good relationship with your dad involves being willing to open up to him about any problems or concerns you may have. Dad’s issues don’t go away overnight, so don’t expect him to suddenly become all lovey-dovey once he sees that you are taking the time to be there for him. Just like mom, he’ll need some time to get used to your new relationship with him. Dad needs some space, too, so don’t push him to do anything if he’s not ready. Let him know that you’re there to be a positive role model for him, but encourage him to take care of himself as well.