20 Things Your Dad Taught You That You'll Only Understand In Your 20s

Dads: They're really fun when you're little, and can be impossible in your teen years.

All the advice and lessons they attempted to teach us when we were young went in one ear and out the other.

We never stopped loving them dearly. But growing up, we felt cool when we challenged the rules they bestowed upon us. We were on a high being young, wild and free-spirited with our friends.

Poor dads, though; they never got all of the credit they truly deserved.

But THEN, something incredible happens when we venture into our 20s.

We can sit down and share a beer with dad, and have an awesome time. Dads understand our views so much better now, while we understand AND value theirs.

We actually listen to what they're saying, and take their life lessons to heart.

We realize dads were always out for our best interests since day one. Along with our moms, dads never stopped being 100 percent on our team.

I'm the first to admit I love chilling with my dad. A Friday night hitting up a classic car show and grabbing ice cream sounds like a prime time to me.

Here are 20 things dad taught you growing up that you'll only understand in your 20s.

1. Call, visit and learn from your grandparents.

They love you to the moon and back, and unfortunately won't be around forever.

2. Be good to your car, and it will be good to you.

If you don't know how to drive stick already, learn it.

3. Family dinners are important.

Family should be cherished… especially Sunday night pasta and meatball dinners surrounded by your loved ones.

4. A guy needs much more than just good looks.

Dad's not afraid to share his honest opinion about the guy you're seeing… OR to give him the hairy eyeball and tell him to take a hike.

5. Red wine is good (and quite necessary) with dinner.

Heck yeah, dad has good taste.

6. Every storm passes.

And each hurdle is a learning experience, no matter how difficult it is to overcome.

7. Avoid a guy who's lazy AF.

YEP… this one speaks for itself. He'll drive the both of you crazy.

8. Believe in, and embrace your dreams.

Work your ass off and reach for the stars.

9. Don't give a crap what anyone else is doing.

Focus on what YOU want to do.

10. Don't start a project unless you finished the first one.

Never be a quitter.

11. People will let you down, and you'll be disappointed.

They'll also surprise you.

12. Have zero regrets in life.

Don't dwell on the past, but embrace and make changes in the future.

13. Hard work and dedication are keys to success.

Those late nights at the office are worth it.

14. Don't expect anyone to be like you.

This is a good thing, though. It's what sets YOU apart from the rest.

15. Don't let anyone walk all over you.

Know when it's time to have a backbone, and how to use it. Have a keen sense for when someone is trying to take advantage of you for their benefit.

16. You're never alone.

Even if you move, your family will always be there... whether they're a phone call, text, or plane ride away.

17. “Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite.”

FOR REAL THOUGH: Who knew when you were a little munchkin and dad tucked you in that bed bugs were a LEGIT thing?

Wash those sheets and clean your apartment on the regular, peeps.

18. “I'll think about it” usually means “no.”

It just sounds better and more optimistic.

19. Cherish your family values.

Family is important, and they'll always have your back.

20. Never settle for anything less.

Because you're amazing, and have so much to offer the world. In his eyes, you'll always be daddy's little girl.

When it comes down to it, dad is the perfect one to go over your 401(k) with, and he'll be the first one who shows up to help you move in and out of your apartment.

He'll also always be there for you to call up if your car breaks down, or if you need help putting together that stubborn new furniture from IKEA.

You can always count on dad. He's truly the best, and he'll never stop being anything less than the sort.

Dads — you the real MVPs.