Daddy-daughter dates were one of the highlights of my childhood. Spending a whole evening with your dad all to yourself while dancing, eating food, and getting to dress up; it didn’t get much better than that. Throughout my adolescence, I attended a variety of dates with my dad. We would dress up, take pictures, and meet up with some of my friends. There was dinner, dancing, and so many laughs. However, I recently read an article about how daddy-daughter dates were “sexist, creepy, and weird.” This is a completely absurd notion to me.

The author states that these dates “teach little girls the patriarchal notions of femininity and that men should do everything for them.” She also calls them “creepy,” because it sounds like incest and a porno title. She even goes as far to state that these dates affect her sons by teaching them that girls should be submissive. These accusations are completely off the mark of reality.

Daddy-daughter dates teach girls that men should be caring and supportive, not indifferent and rude. These dates are not “creepy” and leading to incest. On the contrary, they are making a young girl closer to her father.

These dates also have no affect on young boys. My little brother watched me have dates with my dad, and he still treats girls with respect and does not expect them to be submissive. Daddy-daughter dates are not creepy or wrong.

The world has become so obsessed with feminism and being an independent women, we have started to sexualize little girls spending time with their fathers. It is not wrong to enjoy spending time with your dad or mom. It is not wrong to like having a caring and supportive partner. It is not wrong to like your man to be a gentleman. However, it is wrong to assume that every little girl who spends time with her father alone and likes feeling like a princess is going to turn into a submissive, meek adult.

My little sister recently went on her first daddy-daughter date night and she is still a hyper, outspoken, and “go get ‘em.” She was not forced into a submissive role; she was allowed quality time with her dad. These dates do not affect the development of young girls in a negative way.

Daddy-daughter dates are not something to completely do away with. These events allow a girl to feel special and connect with her father. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going on a “date” with your dad.

*If you're interested in the article I'm referring to, here is the IP address: https://www.romper.com/p/honestly-daddy-daughter-d...)