The importance of a father figure

It’s a role, that, for a child, it’s importance is something that cannot be disputed. And it doesn’t matter what gender you are, a healthy relationship with your father can have a direct impact on your social and emotional development.

Every girl wants to be a daddy’s girl, but sadly, not every girl has the chance.

My father passed away when I was young. At this point, I have lived the majority of my life without him. Whether or not your father was voluntary or involuntary absent, many of the struggles that follow can be very similar.

The difficulty of growing up without a father figure will continue to reveal itself in the closest of your relationships, in the quietest of your thoughts, and in the most seemingly insignificant moments.

 

Some (or all) of these struggles may apply to you:

 

1. You experience an increased need for approval. Not only from males, but from females as well.

 

2. You have somewhat unrealistic expectations in your romantic relationships.

 

3. Over time, you have built a nearly impenetrable fortress around your own heart to ensure that no man will ever be able to hurt you. Knocking that fortress down is a long, crumbling, and painful process. But there is so much beauty in the breaking.

 

4. You have a habitual fear of being left by your significant other. You want all the quality time, regardless of if that person needs some time for themselves.

 

5. You have an increased subconscious need for male affirmation. This can even be true in your career…