It took a few bad boyfriends, and one great one to have a real relationship with my father. Usually it's the other way around, but I've always done things a little backwards. I was never very rebellious growing up, but I did stupid stuff from time to time. This, along with my pride preventing me for apologizing for those mistakes I made, affected my relationship with my father pretty severely. Things were said and done that were not meant. Great lengths were gone to to avoid each other, and the holidays were hell. I was sad but convinced that this would be the state of our relationship forever.
Tonight, I was able to sit down in my parents' home at the kitchen table and talk to my father alone. The same kitchen table I sat at as a child while being scolded and reprimanded, I was now able to sit at and enjoy my dad's company. We talked about life, future plans, and had a genuine conversation with no awkwardness or resentment. This has been four years in the making, with efforts being made from both of us. Maybe it is because I am getting older, and perhaps more mature...or maybe because he is getting older, and perhaps softer, but it seems that we have both made bettering our relationship a priority. Those hurtful things that were said and done in the past have been forgiven, at least on my end...I cannot speak for him.
It has taken a lot of time, effort, and reflection to get my severed relationship with my dad to where it is today. I am very thankful to my boyfriend and mother for encouraging me to not dismiss this relationship as I have with others, because friends may come and go, but you only get one chance to be a daddy's girl.
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