It’s admirable for any daughter to want a man “Just like her daddy.” If she had a great relationship with her father, why wouldn’t she want a man like him? Who would argue with her desire?

Father-figure

The role of a father in the life of a daughter (or son) cannot be overstated. That’s not to discount the role of a mother by any means. Momma always has a special place in the hearts of her children indeed. Her presence isn’t usually the void that needs to be filled.

In particular, I want to focus on the role of the father in the life of a daughter specifically in regard to how it impacts who she chooses to date.

The father/daughter relationship, when good, is foundational in building a daughter’s self-worth and self-worthiness.

When, the father is absent or negligent, there are several negative effects that plague the lives of daughters.

Research has attributed poor intimate relationships, early menstrual cycles, promiscuity, trust issues and various other issues that inhibit a woman’s ability to engage in healthy, meaningful relationships with men.

Fathers and Boyfriends in Context

Many women view their fathers as the model of what their man should look like in matters of operation. They look for the men in their lives to mirror the role that a father serves in the life of a daughter. There are some inherent similarities.

The father represents provision, protection, and leadership among other very important roles that he serves. Definitely, these marks of character should be modeled by a mature man. The difference is that a father-daughter relationship is one-sided in favor of the daughter. A father only wants to see his daughter happy.

He has no expectations from her for his own benefit. The same is true of any parent-child relationship. This is an entirely different dynamic than that of a man and woman in a dating relationship. That relationship is intended to be mutually rewarding. Their roles have been designed to provide such for each.