Published: 2019/06/05
Father’s Day: How to tell him you love him
Gone are the days of being his helpless little girl with pigtails and pink ribbons. Today our relationship is mutually beneficial: we both give and receive in our unique ways. We are both teaching and learning at our own pace.
Dedda, Mr. B and Papsiewapsie. I have multiple pet names for my dad, the man who still fulfils multiple roles in my life.
Dedda is my financial advisor who has taught me to live within my means, avoid debt, and save at least 20% of my monthly salary.
Mr. B is my mentor. He inspires me to dream boldly and always emphasises the importance of hard work.
My favourite part of Papsiewapsie the Handyman is that his services are free of charge and available seven days a week. “Payment” is made in the form of a cup of rooibos tea (no milk, no sugar) and a toasted cheese sandwich. Just the other day he installed my brand new washing machine!
He probably would have put up a fight, had he known I bought the shiny, German appliance on credit. Surely I don’t have to tell him everything!
Still, my dad fulfils all of these roles and more. My Dedda is home: He symbolises safety and security. Plus, the doors to my parents’ home in Stellenbosch are always open when life in the city gets too much to handle.
I love my dad and he loves me. He just doesn’t say those three words unless prompted. “Tell me you love me,” I insist during one of our frequent telephone conversations. “You know that I do,” he responds promptly.
Yes, it’s important to show loved ones that they are loved, but there’s also something special about saying and hearing those three words.
“I love you,” says my old man eventually and puts down the phone.
With each passing year our father-daughter relationship evolves, forever growing and changing.
Gone are the days of being his helpless little girl with pigtails and pink ribbons. Today our relationship is mutually beneficial: we both give and receive in our unique ways. We are both teaching and learning at our own pace.
My dad has taught me a lot over the years, but he has a lot to learn when it comes to grooming and taking care of his skin. Soap, water and a bi-monthly visit to the barber will only get one so far – which is why I’ve introduced him to Senses Infinite Blue Shower Gel. Enriched with vitamin E, this refreshing, masculine shower gel has been a game changer.
I look at his 60-year-old skin. It shows that he has spent decades working in scorching heat and countless sunny afternoons watching my brother and me on the hockey field. It’s taught me to value my time outdoors by protecting my skin with SPF 15 at all times.
This year I’m spoiling my dad with some easy-to-use essentials from Avon Care Men range: 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash, shave gel and aftershave balm.
He doesn’t have to change his routine – all these products can be used while he takes a shower. And the packaging comes in dark blue, one of his favourite colours. Also, they come in the perfect travelling size, and won’t take up too much space in the bathroom.
This Father’s Day I’ll tell my dad that I love him, and, more importantly, I’ll show him too! If you’re feeling panicked about what to get your own old man for Father’s Day, chill!
