Every dad has his own set of life rules — often quirky, sometimes wise, always sincere. They cover everything from how to handle travel and entertain guests to the perfect car choice and parenting philosophies. As Father’s Day approaches, I decided to call my dad and ask him about his personal rules for life. What emerged was a fascinating glimpse into his mindset, full of practical advice and unexpected insights.
Travel: Embrace the New and Stay Prepared
One of my dad’s cardinal travel rules is simple yet profound: Travel somewhere new. To him, returning to a familiar vacation spot is like time running on autopilot, where days blur together with the rhythm of home life. But when you step into the unknown — a new city, a foreign culture, an uncharted landscape — time stretches and expands. A single day can feel like a week, and a week can feel like a month. It’s not about lounging idly on a beach or reclining in a deck chair, which he finds dull. Instead, discovering something new recharges the spirit in ways mere relaxation can’t.
He also swears by the window seat on planes. Watching the world shrink to miniature ants below, seeing flaps and wheels in action, he finds a strange comfort and reassurance in observing details others might miss. Another practical tip: Leave early for the airport. With all the hassle of security lines and parking, he recommends giving yourself a generous 45-minute buffer — better safe than stressed.
Entertaining: Connect Deeply and Listen Well
When it comes to parties or social gatherings, my dad has a philosophy that’s both kind and clever: Talk to the wallflowers. Instead of sticking to the usual friends or the loudest voices in the room, he seeks out the quieter guests — those who might not know anyone else there. His conversational secret? A curiosity about everything. Whether it’s stories about the moon’s south pole or local childhood memories, he loves learning from those less noticed.
But the heart of his social wisdom is this: Really listen. Too often, people are just waiting for their turn to speak, missing out on the richness of others’ perspectives. My dad finds that self-absorbed listeners are missing the bigger picture. “There’s so much more interesting stuff than your single perspective,” he says. He also insists on no dinner music during conversations. Being a passionate music lover himself, he can’t help but focus on the soundtrack if it’s playing — which distracts from connecting with the people around him.
Cars: Practicality and Patience on the Road
My dad’s car advice is refreshingly straightforward. His top pick? Everyone should get a Honda Fit. According to him, this small, efficient car fits the needs of most families year-round. For larger families, he recommends a Volkswagen Passat station wagon. He cautions against buying a huge vehicle just to accommodate that one week a year when you haul kids and camping gear. Instead, get a sensible small car for daily use and rent a minivan for vacations.
He also shares some wisdom for driving safely in winter: Drive gently on ice. No sudden moves, no hard braking. Be smooth and deliberate — “smooth as silk.” Speed doesn’t have to be slow; it just has to be careful.
One nostalgic note stands out about car climate control. He remembers the first time he experienced automatic climate control in a 1991 Ford Taurus SHO. The moment his hand hovered over the dashboard button and the system adjusted itself before he could press it, he was hooked. Now, he sets it at 69 degrees in winter and 71 in summer and never fiddles with it again — simple and perfect.
Parenting: Flexibility and Connection
Parenting advice from my dad was both heartfelt and practical. His first rule? Name your child after they’re born. He explained that while you might have a list of names in mind — he revealed that I was initially going to be “Lucy Claire” — it’s essential to meet the child first before settling on a name. “You can put that on my gravestone: meet the kid,” he said with a smile.
His second rule shows his deep love and commitment: Answer your kids’ calls. He makes a point of picking up whenever we call, not out of obligation but because he genuinely enjoys our conversations. He also appreciates that most of our calls aren’t crises, but if they are, he wants to be ready to help.
A Father’s Wisdom for Everyday Life
Hearing my dad’s rules — simple, pragmatic, yet rich with warmth — made me realize how much fathers shape our understanding of the world through their unique lens. His travel advice encourages curiosity and immersion, his entertaining tips promote kindness and genuine connection, his car rules stress practicality and safety, and his parenting philosophy embraces patience and presence.
What rules does your dad live by? Maybe it’s something quirky about music volume, a food habit, or a larger life lesson. Whether spoken or unspoken, these rules often reveal a father’s hopes and values, passed down quietly but profoundly.
This Father’s Day, I’m raising a glass (or maybe an apple cider Old-Fashioned) to the dads who share their wisdom, in their own unmistakable way.
