We all depend on the advice of those we look up to, and many of us have been fortunate to receive meaningful words of wisdom from our dads. Our team recently asked Nice News readers to share some of that fatherly guidance they carry with them, and the responses came pouring in.
Often profound, sometimes funny, and frequently a mixture of the two, the submissions showcase just what an impact dads can make. While some qualify as deeply moving life lessons, many amount to practical instructions — the kind of directives that stick with us for a lifetime and help stave off stress. (Perhaps unsurprisingly, a fair number focus on car maintenance.)
The topics span work, relationships, respect, kindness, and more. After going through all the responses, we’re inspired to incorporate the wisdom of the special men in our readers’ lives into our day-to-day existences. We hope you have the same experience reading the selection below.
If you got nothing better to do, read a book. Read something. Read anything. – Bill (Hartsdale, New York)
Taking care of your health is the most important thing. Without good health, not much more matters. – Patricia (Huntington)
My father told me to always protect two things: your teeth and your credit score. Both are necessary for a comfortable life and are very costly if neglected or damaged. – Scott (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
My dad was my hero. He was a gentle man with strong faith and a great love for his family. We lost him when I was 22 years old and he was 70. Not only did his faith keep him calm but so did his advice to us (his three children) to “let it roll off your back.” Just don’t let things get to you. I’ve done this since I was very young and it’s made for a more peaceful life. Thanks, Daddy. I love you and miss you. – Karen (Commerce Township, Michigan)
Never be last in the buffet line. – Jim (New York)
Work as if it all depended on you, pray as if it all depends on God. – Donna (Kentucky)
Mind your own business. Let other people mind theirs and don’t pass judgment. – Steve (Georgia)
He would remind me when I was upset about something I couldn’t do anything about that “a year from now it won’t matter.” A very useful perspective. He also told me to choose the seat over the wing or just behind it for the smoothest plane ride. – Lanie (Arlington, Massachusetts)
Never let your gas tank get below 1/4 tank. – Candi (Fremont, California)
Get your elbows off the table! – Virginia (Ohio)
Go along to get along in a marriage! – Ann Marie (Brigantine, New Jersey)
My father, who was a Black man, told me as a child: “Always keep reading, always get an education, and never stop learning. Someone can take away your job, your home, your freedom, but no one can ever take away your education.” I ended up going to college, getting a teaching credential, and became an educator myself. I often told my students the same advice that my dad told me and I hope it stayed with them as long as it stayed with me. – Jaimie (Westlake, Ohio)
Don’t eat so much bread. – Joe (Indiana)
A mistake is not the end of the world, as long as you learn from it and never make it again. – John (Dublin)
As the owner of a trucking company for the past 40 years and coming from a father that was a truck driver, the best advice I got that stuck with me over my entire trucking career is “chrome don’t get you home.” I understood this very well over the years. I watched friends buy new shiny trucks and spent thousands on keeping them shiny. I, on the other hand, just made sure my trucks were well-maintained, safe, and ready to roll. This always kept more money in the family budget for things we like to do. My trucks were not the prettiest on the block but the family had everything they needed and more. – Bubba (Tennessee)
Learn something new every day! – Karla (Champaign, Illinois)
My dad often told me, “people are people.” At the core, we are all people with the same needs. He taught me to treat everyone the same, no matter skin color or social class. His advice helped me in both job and social situations. – bght6 (Iowa)
You have two ears and one mouth. Use them in direct proportion to one another. – John (Massachusetts)
My dad had a wry sense of humor. Once when I was in high school, he told me to try to marry an heiress. Failing that, at the very least, find one that has had all of her dental work done. – Dave (Texas )
Respond to rudeness with politeness. – Abu (Dayton, Ohio)
Not necessarily advice but Dad made me learn to change a tire and check the oil in the car before he taught me to drive. – Cam (Schenectady)
Before the annual track meet I had rare alone time with Dad as he took me to the meet. He always said, “All that matters is that you do your best and try hard.” It somehow made all the difference to me — the ribbons were a bonus. But just try your hardest and that felt good! I’ve always remembered that in my life’s work. – Kris (Wisconsin)
Always make your words sweet, you never know when you might have to eat them. – Raymond (Utah)
Whatever you do or do not do, do it (or not) without regret and to the best of your ability. You can look back and manage failure, but do not look back at regret. – Robert (Chicago, Illinois)
Each time I left the house, even as an adult when visiting, my father would say, “Let your conscience be your guide little girl.” What I would give to hear him say it just one more time! – Gigi (Columbus, Ohio)
A quitter never wins and a winner never quits. It may sound cliche now but it applies to every aspect of life. Never quit. – Steven (New York City)
It is better to be respected than liked. Don’t be afraid to be the first to sit alone at a table; your real friends will sit with you. – Heather (Florida)
That every human being you meet deserves to be treated with respect and dignity! This came at a time of race and class discrimination in the ’60s, especially in the South where we lived. – Mary (Colorado)
If you don’t want to be interrupted, carry a clipboard or a pile of papers, look mildly serious, and walk through the office with a purpose. Works every time! – Ann (Bend, Oregon)
You can learn something from everyone. From the janitor that sweeps and mops the floors many hours a day, you can learn how to do it without hurting your back. Everyone has a piece of knowledge you can learn from, you just have to want to learn and talk with people. – Mike (Tempe)
Go ask your mother. – Mary (New York)
My dad has always told me to “be the good” I wished to see in the world. When everything seems to be going wrong, look for people who are showing up and showing out. If you don’t see anyone, that’s your call to action to “be the good.” – Madison (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Don’t bring me a monkey without a banana. In other words, if you have a problem to discuss, think of at least one potential solution to it before bringing up the topic. – Jessica (Atlanta, Georgia)
Always be nice to people on your way up because you don’t know who you’ll run into on your way down. – Katie (Ohio)
When I was in college, I asked my dad, the father of nine children, what was the No. 1 lesson he hoped he had taught his kids. (I was thinking he would reply along the lines of “love and accept people as you do your brothers and sisters.”) He replied he hoped that we had learned to be adaptable and could change courses when needed. I thought that was the most boring answer until life proved me wrong. Best advice ever! – Margaret (Canton, Georgia)
Proper preparation prevents poor performance. The “5 P’s.” – Susan (Los Angeles, California)
When I was growing up, especially in my teen years, and I would have a big decision to make or was struggling with what I perceived to be a “life and death” situation, my dad would say, “let the world take a spin or two.” Such simple words, but they were full of wisdom and insight. It’s a rare situation when you have to decide something right now, so these words always ring true. I have used this wisdom my whole life and I passed it on to my son. My dad was a great guy and I miss him every day. – Cheryl (Kansas City, Missouri)
If you’re not growing, you are rotting. – Don (Macon, Georgia)
Don’t be afraid to stand alone. It’s much harder, but it’s better to keep your identity than blindly follow popularity. You will always reap what you sow and you will have no one else to blame other than yourself. – Donald (Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania)
To age well, take care of your teeth. If you can’t eat properly, your health will go to hell in a handbasket. – LouAnn (New Jersey)
Never go to bed angry. My father was a gentle soul and passed away when he was 45 and I was 15. His advice stuck with me — I am 73 now and always resolve issues I may have before going to bed. – Jane (Puyallup, Washington)
My grandfather passed away in 2014, and one thing that stands out is how he always taught me to cook with love. He was a wonderful cook. What I wouldn’t give to have a plate of his beef roast and gravy with a side of potato salad! Now when I cook in my own kitchen, I take some extra time to make sure I am cooking with love. He always said the food tastes better when you put heart into it. – Shannon (Kenner, Louisiana)
One of my favorites from my dad: Remember, everyone puts their pants on the same way. Truly reminds me that we are all on equal footing. – Edda (Baltimore, Maryland)
I lost my dad, “Smilin’ Charlie,” last August and since then have leaned into the advice and lessons he taught me throughout the 51 years we had together — everything from how to change a tire, how to check the oil in the car, always hide a magnetic key under the car, shortcuts for math equations, never let the gas in the car go below 1/4 tank, as well as so many sports and sportsmanship lessons. However, the absolute best advice he ever gave me that I try to apply every day is to “find joy, be kind to people, and do the right thing.” These three things were at his core and were exactly how he navigated the world. So on Dec. 31 of last year, I got the words “joy” and “be kind to people” tattooed on my wrist in his handwriting so that I can always see and never forget his advice. Missing him as we approach our first Father’s Day without him here. – Alissa (Leadville, Colorado)
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