7 x things we learn from our fathers

My father is really a handy Harry. If something breaks in my house or something needs to be assembled, he comes over right away to help. I wish everyone had a father like that, but I guess there are quite a few handy fathers in the world. Some things fathers just seem to know, and we don't learn those from our mothers. Here are a few things I've learned from my father, or that I still secretly call him for.

1. Using tools
It all started with the difference between a nail and a screw. Well, you have to start somewhere. By now I know how to use a drill and I can hang pictures on the wall myself. I can be proud of that, right? All learned from my father.

2. Dealing with money
Small correction: I'm still learning this. For questions about taxes, home insurance, and all sorts of other practical matters I don't understand at all, I can always turn to my father. I would make a total mess of it if I had to figure all this out myself.

3. Frying eggs
Fathers just fry the best eggs, at least that's what I've learned from mine. Not too runny, but also not overcooked: just exactly how you would want to eat a fried egg.

4. Practical cooking tips
From your mother, you often get a bundle of delicious recipes, but fathers also give you tips about the cooking techniques themselves. For example, frying everything in half butter and half oil, or letting a steak cook in the oven for a bit, or the golden tip to let something simmer on low heat all day. In short: practical tips that we can use for the rest of our lives.

5. Avoiding conflicts with mom
Less practical, but certainly not less handy. From my father, I've learned – by observing him – that it's better not to engage in a discussion with my mother, for our own good. Of course, a small debate or differences of opinion can still arise, but as soon as you notice that you're not going to win the discussion: just give up and avoid the conflict.

6. Watching football
Well, it sounds cliché, but it's true. When your father regularly watches football, you learn to appreciate it and you start to find matches exciting yourself.

7. Unconditional love
Lastly, unconditional love: what we receive and learn from our fathers. After all, fathers are our superheroes, especially when we are little girls. Well, actually still even now. Irritations and sometimes not understanding each other are part of it, but no matter what happens: you will always love each other. And you just always need your father, no matter how old you are.