Strong, Just The Way I Am

This time last year Pantene Pro-V had THIS to say about father/daughter relationships and to them I had this to say…

Originally written in February 2016
Dear Pantene Pro-V,

I understand what you are getting at with your new NFL father daughter commercial. It’s cute, it’s heart warming and the fact that we get to see the soft and real side of “big bad” football players is great.

Your quote however, “girls who spend quality time with their dad, grow up to be stronger women,” is where my problem comes in to play. I’m not sure where you got this quote from, is it scientifically proven or is it something you just made up? Again, its cute and a heart warming quote, so when I first saw your commercial, why did it anger me?

I have never met my real father and I grew up in a single mother household. My mom is amazing and she is my best friend. I had an amazing childhood and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

My point here is that I am a VERY strong woman and I have never spent any quality time with my dad. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only woman out there who feels this way. In fact, I believe growing up without a father has contributed to me being the strong woman that I am today.

So, I’m sure girls that spend quality time with their fathers do grow up to be strong women, but STRONGER women? STRONGER than who? Than women who grew up without quality father daughter time? I don’t think so.

Thanks for listening.

Sincerely, Mandi Kreisher