From images of L’Enfant to the single dad coaching his child’s soccer team, there is something alluring about father and child, or what I like to fairly re-coin the DILF. That stands for Dad in Late Forties, or whatever else you’d like it to stand for. This is not about the father who runs away, shirks responsibility or neglects his children. That starts with a DI and appropriately ends with a CK.
No, this is about the special dad, the one PTA divorcees swoon over, the one who has given up his life of singled and late-night parties to care for someone other than himself. If you live in New York or Los Angeles, you may not know what I’m talking about.
Yes, there are the obvious signposts that he’s had a life before you, that he slept with someone before you, and may even have a crazy ex who has a penchant for stalking you. But on the flip side, maybe you’d like her, maybe she’s really cool. Maybe you can take yoga together. I like to think positive.
There is something very special about the DILF. If he has a daughter, it’s a good bet he’s kissed her feet and her behind. This is a goo sentiment for any man. Also, he will explain to his child that when coloring it’s a good idea to stay inside the lines, but if they want to cross outside those lines, that’s OK too. So when you decide to drive too close to a retaining wall in his car, he understands this principle.
The DILF understands the concept of a proper breakfast; perhaps he’ll even make you one. If it’s scrambled eggs, be very impressed. Before his child was born it was probably dry cereal and microwaved burritos.
You’ll notice he’ll drive a car more safely as he understands the idea of precious cargo and the important of wearing a seatbelt, not to mention the added protection of hi right arm. Holding your hair after a nigh of drinking won’t be so off-putting because, let’s face it, he’s wiped tears, butts and other things you don’t want to know about.
He’s gently washes his child’s hair and cut food into the size of thimbles. He’s dressed them in something that he thinks is cute and well matched, even if it isn’t. One day he’ll quickly Google state capitals in an effort to protect his hero “dad knows everything” image, an image that will be put to the test as he tries to explain the concept of balance to a six-year-old learning to ride a bike—all the while explaining the idea of “not giving up” while placing bandages on bloodied knees and elbows.
If this child discovers one day that he or she is gay, one of the most important and hardest conversations will be with this man. His level of understanding is important and will be tested numerous times by this child. His understanding and patience for me will never be tested to this same degree. I’ll try not to disprove this on Twitter, haha.
In the end, how can a man not be a good option when he’s held something in his arms and known that, without question, he would die for it? The sexy, single DILF…respect him. A Dad is Forever.