Here come the days of cool air and short shorts, where the birds are flying and bees are buzzing, but I’m not talking about spring! I’m talking about the days when boys start looking at my little girl, and I start losing my mind and practicing the utmost self-control.

Here are some things I have started thinking about: 1. It ain’t going to happen. Although, not very likely, as I don’t see the the lifestyle of being a nun in her future. 2. It is what it is, and what happens, happens. If anyone knows me, I have no way of sitting on the sideline for anything. 3. Take it in stride, and be supportive. Most might say that this is the high road and the best choice. As a good friend of mine (Kyle) would say, “Oh, hell no!” (We don’t allow frog shows on our watch. Sorry, inside joke.)

There is another option that I think is the right decision: I’m going to show her how this dating thing is supposed to work. I’m going to set the bar for every other jackleg boy walking up to my door. And yeah, he better walk up to the door. Lord, help the boy who pulls up and honks the horn or sends a text. We have the ability to show them how they should be treated and what is supposed to happen on a date.

Why are so many people impressed when the door is opened for a woman or when everyone at the table stands when she comes to the table? It’s simple, we have skipped manners and respect. Dating has become swiping right and standing in groups, looking at each other or staring at phones. Well, not in my book. She will learn what it’s like to see someone who likes her and wants to spend time with her.

Guys, you can show her what it’s like to go on a real date, what true respect is, and what she must demand from anyone who wants her time. You see, when I was dating her mother, I knew her mom, and I went and talked with her. I went to the door when needed, and to this day, I am able to sneak in a car door opening. 

These things add up. There is a part of me that believes her mother was rooting for me even when my wife said she didn’t want to see me again, no matter how much candy I left on the hood of her car overnight to surprise her with. You, and only you, can teach this and show her, so get to it. Remember, it is you or him. And I’m the first to say, I may not know him yet, but I don’t freaking like him! ■