Our girls have always been good about allowing me to play the role of father-protector. At times they've ventured further afield than I would have liked and usually they have come back licking their wounds.

Once one of them was in turmoil over a relationship (with four teenage girls, that happens a good bit). The boy had been insensitive and presumptuous and I was in full-on protective mode. There aren't many opportunities we men have to wax warrior-like, but defending our girls from the Mongol hordes is one of them.

So then, this Bozo, having crossed me once, wants to enroll in a ballroom dancing class with my daughter. I tell my girl, "Tell him to apologize to me and we'll see."

To his credit, knucklehead called me and apologized. I told him, "I have four daughters. Do you realize how precious they are to me? Long after you're gone from the scene, I'll be there. I raised them and am responsible for them. And when young men like you come along, and without ever asking for my permission, begin playing with their affections, how do you suppose that makes me feel?"

That was the end of that. I'm rarely allowed that kind of semi-vigilante moment; I needed some Dads to high-five afterward. It's a conversation more of us Dads should have.