If you love your dad, don’t talk to him Sunday.
If you do talk to him, make it brief. “I love you” or “Thanks for everything” might suffice.
The advice may seem counterintuitive. Given the unpredictability of life, death, and ICE there’s no telling when your last interaction with dad (or anyone) may be the last. But a lot of dads are men of few words and though their emotional quotient may be evolving, feelings for many still remain one of those uncomfortable zones of discussion. Blame the toxic patriarchy, I guess.
The gift of silence, however, fits neatly under the heading of “Show, don’t tell” love.
If your dad’s a soccer fan he’ll have his hands full with four World Cup matches Sunday, starting at 9 a.m. —earlier if you take into consideration pregame shows—and going through 8:30 p.m.when the last match of the day should be wrapping up.
Don’t bother him with questions like “Who’s winning?” “Who’s that?” “What’s the score?” or “Do we have to watch this?” Cheer when he cheers, moan when he groans and bring him a beverage every so often without his asking.
If you’re dad is not a soccer fan then this next gift idea may be even easier to proffer. Or more challenging depending on your proclivities and decision-making skills: Don’t do anything stupid.
Under these circumstances, stupid is anything dad told you not to do from the moment he started watching over you. From balancing a step ladder on two chairs to change a light bulb, to not getting over into the Number 4 lane soon enough and missing the Telepgraph Canyon exit and not turning “There! There! There!” in time.
If you’re dad is a Do-It-Yourselfer and there is a remote chance you will offer to help him (don’t) or that he will draft you to work on the project (try not to be around) brush up on the gloassary of terms. Know which pliers he means when he asks for one and for God’s sake don’t hand him a 10 MM socket when he asks for a 1/2 inch.
Really, just try to stay out of his way when he is in fix-it mode, you will both be grateful (and don’t you dare offer to hire someone to do the job instead).
If something does come up and you do have a question that needs asking, go ask your mom. Or send him a text. Monday.
