As I sat across from my father, I saw him look at me the same way he always has. It’s the same way I assume a father always looks at his baby girl.
Until I was 31, I was up on my high horse, telling my dad he “should” do this and that to be healthier. Thus, we did not get along for most of my life.
Then, one day 3 years ago – I finally understood it wasn’t my place to tell someone how to live his life. This is particularly true for a man that has never – and I mean never -told me how to live mine.
I was a 3 decade-long brat, assuming my choices were the right ones. But they were simply MY choices, and nothing more.
So now, Dad will ask me medical tidbits every now and again. But for the most part, he lives his life as he sees fit. And we get along amazingly well.
The message is clear: You can’t bully people. They tend to respond with resistance. If they seek your counsel, by all means give it. Even if they seek your advice, it’s their choice what they do with it.
I became a more fulfilled human in every aspect of my life when I started enjoying people and helping when I can – and only when it was requested.
Plus, it feels really amazing to get along with the man who gave me life.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley