One of the most treasured individuals in my life is just 7 years old. I have known her since she was in her mother’s womb, and she has affectionately dubbed me her big brother, a title I wear with pride. This role is something I take seriously; we share adventures at the zoo, indulge in ice cream, and enjoy movie nights together. I fill her with sugary treats and then hand her back to her parents—I’m sure they appreciate that!
Over the years, she has noticed my perpetual singleness and has taken it upon herself to “fix” my love life. Without any prompting, she has become my unofficial love advisor, providing me with hilarious yet surprisingly insightful advice about dating. I’ve been jotting down her pearls of wisdom since she was just 4 years old. While many adults may offer unwanted advice, I find her perspective refreshingly candid and often more helpful.
Here are some of her standout pieces of advice:
- Kid: Always say you’re sorry.
Me: What if I didn’t do anything wrong?
Kid: Hmm. You did. Just start with saying you’re sorry. Trust me, it’ll make things easier! - Kid: Focus on her instead of anything else. You’re not dating your job! You’re dating her.
- Kid: Find someone who enjoys the same things you do, so you can share those moments together.
- Kid: Are you going to marry her?!
Me: I’m not sure. Should I?
Kid: No! I don’t like her with you. She’s mean to you. You shouldn’t love someone who is mean to you. (Her insight here is spot on; I didn’t realize how toxic that relationship was.) - Kid: You gotta find someone to love.
Me: Why?
Kid: Because everyone needs somebody!
Me: How do I know who to love?
Kid: Love someone because they’re special, okay?
Me: Okay! - Kid: How come you never have a girlfriend?!
Me: I don’t know. What do you think?
Kid: (looking me up and down) Maybe because you like Star Wars and they don’t.
Me: So The Force is not strong with them?
Kid: (rolls eyes) What am I going to do with you? - Kid: You need a girlfriend!
Me: Why?
Kid: Because you don’t have one, silly! - Kid: I know you aren’t ever going to get married, but if you did, I’d have a sister-in-law, right?
Me: Who said I wasn’t ever getting married?!
Kid: You! Answer my question!
Me: Yes, if I got married, you would have a sister-in-law.
Kid: (groan) But I want a brother-in-law. Can you just marry a boy? - Me: How do I know which emojis to use or what they mean?
Kid: You should always show them to me; I’ll know. - Kid: Are you dating the girl who gave me a lemon bar?
Me: You mean Sarah?
Kid: Yeah, are you dating her?
Me: No, Sarah is just a friend.
Kid: You should marry Sarah. She loves you, and you love her. Tell her you love her and marry her! Or you’re going to miss out.
This little one shares advice nearly every time I see her, often bringing up Sarah. While she might be a bit too eager about jumping to marriage, she highlights an important truth: I frequently let valuable connections slip away due to fear—fear of vulnerability and fear of losing a friendship. Perhaps this 7-year-old is on to something; maybe we should all take more risks in our lives, not just in dating. After all, progress often requires a leap of faith.
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Summary
A 7-year-old offers surprisingly sage advice on love and relationships, encouraging a more open and fearless approach to dating and connections. Her humorous yet profound insights challenge the norms of adult dating advice, reminding us all of the importance of taking risks in life.