Here is exactly what your dad wishes he could tell you

We asked dads to reveal how they really feel (yep, even in the trickiest sitches)—and they delivered. Read on for heartfelt confessions *and* practical advice...

- By Sarah Wassner Flynn

There's no doubt that Dad loves you-he wiped your tears when you fell off your bike (Stupid curb!), taught you his amaze tennis serve (“Make your toss an inch higher) and always saves you the last chocolate doughnut (yum!). But sometimes it's tough to tell exactly what's going on in his mind. So just in time for Father's Day, we asked a few dads to put their hearts on the page for their (not-so) little girls...

“I'm protective because I care.

I'm strict about dating, but it's not because I don't trust my daughter. I just don't want to see her get hurt. I want her to be appreciated for all of her fantastic qualities. If someone isn't supportive of who she is and who she wants to become, then they're not the one for her.”—Joe W., dad to Ashley, 16, and Olivia, 19, Pittsburgh

GET CLOSER. Next time Dad gives you the big thumbs down on a potential bae, try to understand where he's coming from. He's been on a lot more dates than you have (weird to think about, but true), so trust him if he says things are headed in the wrong direction.

“I don't want to let you down.

I worry I'll fail my daughter in some way. I hope every day that I'll be able to live up to her expectations. And while I know I won't always be able to hold her hand through every tough moment, I want to protect her from pain and injustice.-Scott B., dad to Katelin, 14, Santa Rosa, Calif.