I wrote a post on things my mom taught me as a tribute for my mom on Mother’s Day last month. So it is only fair that I write another piece for my dad or ‘papa’ as I call him.

My relationship with my dad is not conventional. We are more like friends than we are father-daughter. Growing up, he has never lectured me, or told me what is right or wrong, or told me what to do, ever. Instead he uses sarcasm, jokes, and casual chats to let me know what is in his mind. And it is always up to me to decide whether I want to do certain things his way. He respects my decisions every time; he has never been mad or scolded me when I made a mistake.

I learnt a lot from him through his actions, his work, and watching how he interacts with others. So here are things my dad taught me:

Be filial to my parents. 

Although dad was adopted when he was almost 4 years old, he treated my grandparents with utmost respect and took care of them till the day they passed away. I learnt this by example. So will my children.

Reunion dinner is important as a family.

He is not the regular dad who pushes his children only towards excellence in education. He made me asked myself if that prestigious expensive degree was really worth it. To my dad, one’s attitude is more important than paper qualification.

My papa and I on my wedding day, just before he walked me down the aisle.