When was the last time you sat down with Dad and had a good long conversation? Can't remember? It is believed that communication is the key to healthy relationships. So why not strike a conversation with him this Father's Day? There just can't be a better time to bond with him. On June 17, make a special gesture towards your father and try to know his vulnerable, emotional side that you rarely get to see. This Father's Day, break the ice with Dad and ask him these five questions that you have probably never asked him before.
How are you Dad?
A simple question, "How are you?" is probably the one we ask our dads the least, even though it is extremely important and meaningful. This Father's Day, sit with him and ask him how he is. The initial answer may be "I am fine" or "Good", but try to dig deep and find out what is he thinking about, what is occupying him at work, home or otherwise. Listening to him will be special, because he has always listened to everyone in the family but is rarely asked if he is doing well himself.
What Do You Think of Love?
Ever wondered if your Mom was the first and only woman in his life? Yes, we all like to believe so. But never realise that our dad is human too. He may have made his share of mistakes and faced heartbreaks. He too was young at one point and may have had a love life. As an adult, make an effort to know his story. Ask him about love, his take on love and if he has an incomplete love story. If your parents had a love marriage, you can ask him to narrate their story.
What's Your Favorite Memory of My Childhood ?
It is more common for mothers to quote our childhood memories and fondly discuss how we grew up. Though, our dads too have their share of memories. This Father's Day how about asking him the same? Sit down with him and talk to him about his fond and not-so-fond memories of you as a kid. Ask him about your siblings, how your were different from each other and all the mischief you did together. Dedicate the day to remembering your good old times. Sit around with an old photo album and refresh your memories.
Any Regrets?
No matter how much Dad wants to protect us from making mistakes and believes that he has always made the best choices, he too has made his share of mistakes. There definitely were times when he screwed up, we just don't know about it. Ask him about the mistakes he has made, the regrets he has. Ask him why he didn't let you make a certain decision, or helped you make a certain choice. This will bring you closer and introduce you to the more humane side of him.
Your Biggest Mischief in College?
Like the rest of us, Dad too is fond of memories from his youth. It's been long since he left school or college, but his memories are surely as wonderful as yours. Sit down with him over tea, coffee or a couple of beers and ask him about the best times he had at school and college. Was he a mischievous brat or a responsible nerd? Ask him some questions about his friends, whether they are still in touch with him and what are the best times he can recall with them. Did he ever mess with the hostel warden? Did he pick up a fight with seniors? Try to know what was he like back in his youth.
There are many ways to strike a good long conversation with Dad. Try it this Father’s Day. Your Mom most likely cribs about not getting enough time and attention from you. Dad too has the same emotion, but he doesn’t express himself enough. Initiate a more friendly conversation with him and try to build a more mature, bankable and warm relationship with dad, beginning this Father's Day.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2018 01:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).