A new study of 2,000 adults has revealed the top 20 ways that dads express their love, with some of the results showing that it is often the small gestures that count the most
Dads tend to display their affection in practical ways, such as paying for meals, doing household repairs, and sending thumbs-up emojis, a survey of 2,000 adults has revealed. Nearly half of the respondents believe their dads would describe themselves as ‘not good at emotional stuff’, and instead show their love through actions.
When it comes to texting, a third of respondents described their dad’s style as ‘brief’, others said their messages are filled with emojis. Common phrases people hear from their dads include reassurances like ‘You’ll be alright’, offers of help such as ‘Need anything?’ and words of encouragement like ‘Keep going’.
A spokesperson from Funky Pigeon, which created a ‘Dad Speak’ quiz, commented: “Sometimes it can be hard to show real emotion.
“For many of us, our dads grew up in a world where expressing emotion wasn’t always encouraged – where a pat on the back might’ve stood in for ‘I love you’, and a raised eyebrow counted as a heartfelt pep talk.
“Times are changing, and while some dads still find it hard to open up, we’re seeing more and more moments where that emotional armour slips – a quiet tear at a wedding, a thumbs-up that means the world.
“These gestures might be subtle, but they speak volumes.”
The survey revealed that 35% of respondents don’t think their dad is good at dealing with emotions, with 14% revealing they have never been hugged their dad.
It also discovered that 19% of those polled have never told their dad they love them – and the same percentage have never had a text exchange with their dad.
Almost three in 10 have never heard their dad say ‘I love you’ to them, although women are slightly more likely to hear it than men. As a result, 29% would be moved if their dad unexpectedly said he was proud of them.
The study further revealed that 51% perceive their father as not particularly physically affectionate, if at all. However, it’s not a one-sided issue, as 25% never ask about their dad’s feelings, with 49% rarely or never engaging in a deep conversation with him.
Funky Pigeon’s spokesperson added: “We often joke about the ‘dad grunt’ – that universal sound that somehow covers everything from ‘I’m proud of you’ to ‘don’t forget your coat’.
“But behind the jokes is a real truth: dads feel just as much as anyone else, even if they don’t always have the words to say it.
“There’s something incredibly moving about seeing a dad trying to express what’s in his heart, especially if it doesn’t come naturally.
“Whether it’s awkward hugs, long silences, or carefully chosen words, those small moments of effort are often the most meaningful of all.”
TOP 20 WAYS DADS SHOW AFFECTION:
- Being there when you need him, even without saying much
- Paying for a meal
- Teaching you how to do something practical
- Fixing things around the house
- Driving you places
- Offering to lend you tools or equipment
- Helping with your children or pets
- Helping you move house
- Making you a hot drink
- Forwarding you useful links or news
- Checking your vehicle tyres or oil
- Giving you a thumbs up
- Cooking a favourite meal
- Sorting out directions or the route
- Giving you a thumbs up emoji
- Tidying or mowing your garden
- Reminding you to wear a coat
- Helping with school or university work
- Packing snacks or food for a trip
- Topping up your petrol
