Woman tells her dad she drunk-texted a guy late at night and he didn’t reply — his response set a new bar for ‘dad goals’
Kids develop a secure bond by seeing how their parents react when they make a mistake. If they are non-judgmental, reassuring, and wise, children will look up to them as their mentors, confidantes, and more for life. A woman named Jillian Halperin (@jezacat) shared a post on TikTok on Sunday, March 22, 2026, revealing how her dad had the most assuring response when she admitted to drunk-texting a guy she was dating. She mentioned how she impulsively reached out late at night and didn’t receive a reply. Feeling all that guilt, turmoil, and embarrassment, she reached out to her dad, and he knew just what to say — it’s transforming “dad goals.”
As she smiled, feeling awkward, Halperin confessed that she sent a message to the man, and he didn’t respond. Instead of condemning her or just looking disappointed, her dad immediately turned into a friend, ready to listen, reassure, and be there for her. “Did you go off on him?” he asked, to make the situation more lighthearted. When she revealed that she felt embarrassed, combining his role as a gentle friend and a wise father, the dad replied, “Don’t be embarrassed. Those are probably feelings that you needed to say, even if it’s just to vent.”
Feeling less worried, she eased up and mentioned that she was out at a restaurant, and the place made her think of the man, and that’s what she texted him about. “That’s cool, that’s normal,” he said. He very calmly explained that her feelings were valid and she was simply enjoying reminiscing about what she had with her former partner, hoping it wouldn’t end. She did nothing wrong; she only did something human, and it was an important reminder she needed. Halperin was able to get this assurance only because she had a tight-knit bond with her dad. Not everyone has this.
In a study on 14,000 American children, it was found that 40% lacked a strong relationship with their parents, according to The Chronicle. Of the 60% who had a great rapport, it was due to actions that parents exhibited from childhood, whether holding them affectionately or responding to their needs. The 40% mentioned they lacked emotional connection and security with their parents. 25% from this group reported that they avoid their parents because they feel their needs are ignored, while 15% said they keep their distance because their parents cause them stress.
How a parent responds to their child's needs, mistakes, and even accomplishments impacts how the bond develops later into teenage years and adulthood. For Halperin, her dad had been present and gentle. He wasn't ruthless about her mistake but gave her an important reminder instead. Regarding the man not reaching out, the dad again gently pointed out that it wasn’t something personal.
As any loving father would, he also left her with advice. The wisdom was not about what kind of guy she should pick or how she should feel. He only said, “You’ve got to be careful because you’re empathetic.” And it’s honest advice a lot of us needed to hear. @letishamatias mentioned, “Wait, I could never talk to my dad like this. I love this for you.” @aliceonacidtrip added, “I second this! I totally agree with your papa. Please take care of your little heart.” @diamoniquejp1 remarked, "We love a supportive dad."
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