I know, I know – Father’s Day was this past Sunday (but my publishing day is Monday, so I’m going to talk about it anyway).  Often overlooked and underappreciated, I hope you all took the time to raise a glass in honor of Dad this past week.

Fathers do so much – and are often more than happy to perform their duties under the radar.  Whether it’s figuring out how to pay for college, mowing the lawn, changing the burnt out light-bulb in the hallway, or grilling up some burgers on a Saturday, Dad knows his role and generally goes about his business without a lot of fuss.

And in return?  Well, he doesn’t ask for much.  Turn off the light when you leave a room.  Tell him when something in the house is broken (before he finds it without anyone saying anything) and for God’s sake, leave the thermostat alone.  If you’re cold, put a sweatshirt on. 

Know where you want to eat when you go out.  Dad doesn’t care where it is (because he’ll eat anything), but he’s asking because he wants to make you happy.  That shoulder shrug and the “hmmmm, I don’t know” response drives him insane.  Then when he starts making suggestions (because he knows what’s close by), each “no” in response raises his hackles just a little bit more.  Pick a spot and he’ll go.  Trust me.

Dads don’t need a lot of primping and preening.  Honestly, if it wasn’t for the women and children in his life, your father would be perfectly happy living in a refrigerator box in the woods (as long as it had a good internet connection).  He’ll wear the same wardrobe for decades.  He’s a practical man.

Dads like quiet.  Dads like to be left alone.  Yes, Dad does enjoy watching the final round of the Masters and/or U.S Open golf tournament in silence – and doesn’t appreciate a yapping viewing audience who constantly asks “who is that?” or “this is boring – how can you watch this?”  When in groups, fathers don’t say much – even to each other.  It’s a brotherhood of understanding.  Men enjoy each other’s company in relative peace and serenity.  Your father’s best buddy?  Odds are they don’t converse a lot, but that’s what they like about each other.

As comedian Chris Rock once said – “all Dad wants is the big piece of chicken”.  Everything else is icing on the cake – and Dad is not a big fan of icing, so don’t slap that big ‘ol buttercream rose on his plate, because he really doesn’t want it.

But he’ll eat it anyway – because he’s Dad.

Happy Father’s Day, everyone.