I always wanted a "dad." I wanted a dad who would talk to me, give me advice, hug me, take me places and make me feel special. I never had that and I would constantly complain about it to my therapist. Finally one day after having again bemoaned that my dad was never present for me my therapist cut me off and abruptly told me "get over it, you never had a real dad and that is not going to change". She suggested that I become the “good parent” to myself.

That stated me on a path of taking care of me. I became the parent I always wanted. If I felt down or depressed I would call friends who would always make me smile. If I was stressed I would treat myself to a bath complete with candles and a glass of wine. If I did something good, like get a promotion, I would go out and celebrate with friends. I became the good parent to my “inner child”.

I can never replace having a “real dad” but I have become one heck of a great substitute.