8 Things My Father Taught Me About Respecting Women
1. “That’s someone’s daughter.”
This is something I will always hold dear to my heart. My father has a great way of putting things into perspective for me. He made me realize that every girl in this world is not only someone’s daughter, but also a child of God. I should always treat women the same way I would hope someone to treat my future daughter.
2. “Keep your hands to yourself.”
If you’re not married to her, keep your hands off her. That was the broken record that constantly played within my head. I understood where my father was coming from, and our foundation of faith definitely played an important role in keeping this standard true. None of us are perfect, but the strive for purity is something my father would constantly embed into my brain. He understood the reality of sex in today’s culture, and encouraged me to always try and live above the world’s standard of what is normal
3. “Walk her to the door.”
Chivalry 101. Walk your lady to her door, and then make sure she gets inside safe before you leave. From a very young age I remember both my father and grandfather drilling this into my brain. I guess you can say our family has always strived to be chivalrous, thoughtful, and kind. But while this may just seem like a silly gesture, the act can really showcase the honor and respect you have for a woman.
4. “Always pay for her dinner.”
Many will claim that times are changing, but I still hold this standard pretty high, no matter how much a woman makes. It’s a simple gesture that showcases your willingness to provide and support. Pay for her dinner, even if she orders the $60.00 steak.
5. “Offer your coat when it’s cold.”
Sacrifice is key when it comes to any relationship. I learned this from watching the men in my family live this out on a daily basis. When it’s cold, offer your coat. When it’s hot, offer to buy a drink. When it’s raining, find anything you can to keep her hair from getting wet.
6. “Open the car door.”
Another class from chivalry 101. It’s a simple act of kindness that shows any woman that you are thinking of her before yourself. If you have a motorcycle, pretend to open a car door for effect.
7. “Respect her parents wishes.”
No matter how crazy or loud, I encourage you to respect a woman’s parents to the highest degree. This might be tough for some of you, but I promise it will score you major points with both the family and your lady. The last thing you want is to be in a relationship with someone who’s parents do not like you. Do all you can to show them respect, even if it kills you.
8. “Make her feel protected and safe.”
I know that not everyone is as buff as me (obviously joking), but there is still hope for anyone who is looking to make their lady feel protected an safe. You don’t need to have muscles on top of your muscles to make your lady feel protected. Just show that you are willing to do whatever it takes to protect her, her belongings, and your relationship.
Disclaimer: I don’t do all of these perfectly, nor do I claim to. I try to be the best husband I can for my wife, even though I sometimes will make mistakes. My wife is the most precious thing in the world to me, and I pray that I can be the man that God knows she deserves. My intent is to pass along some incredible wisdom that was given to me by my father and his father.