Fathers and Daughters

As I'm sure everyone past a certain age can attest to, traveling home at Christmas time as a single can bring on some awkward moments.

My adventure home was no exception. As the only sibling without a long term SO (regardless of the fact no one in the fam is overly enamored with lil sis's bf) as well as being the eldest the pressure is on.

Now my mother knows this is a delicate topic of conversation and aside from asking many questions should the topic come up she leaves me be. My father on the other hand, while meaning well has the ability to stick his foot in his mouth.

In the days leading up the holiday, I found myself home alone with my father. Now I'm not entirely sure how this topic was brought up but it went something like this:

Dad: You're mother and I just want you have someone to share your life with.

Me: I know Dad.

Dad: Well are you going out? When boys ask you out you should go, you may like them.

Me: Its not like I'm turning guys down left and right, I'm busy with school and making a life for myself in my new city.

Dad: Have you tried the internet? I've heard a lot of people are doing that now.

Me: DAD! I'm not ready to look on the internet for boys. I kind of find it creepy putting myself out there like that.

Dad: Well about the boys at school? There got to be someone there.

Me: My school has a small graduate program most of the student are undergraduates plus I'm four years older then the average grad student. They're just too young for me.

Dad: So date someone younger. You could be a cougar*.

Me: ..............

So my Dad thinks I should try internet dating and start prowling the bars for younger men.

Amazing.

*To my Dad's credit he was not aware of the full definition of a cougar. He thought it was just older women who were dating younger men.