Advice for singles

I was once invited to speak to over 900 single men and women.

- FRANCIS J. KONG

As I scanned the room, one thought popped into my head: "Why are so many young people holding off on marriage these days?"

Maybe they're enjoying their independence, maybe they feel unready for long-term commitments, or perhaps they want to cross off more destinations on their travel bucket list before adding someone else to the equation. Whatever the reason, many are choosing to put relationships on the back burner.

Now, I'll admit, as a father of two daughters, the idea of them dating makes me just a little uneasy. But now that my designer daughter Hannah has made me a "grandpa," I can see that the worries were unfounded.

This reminds me of a story about two friends, Alan and Steve. Alan asked, "Steve, what will you do when your daughter starts dating?" Steve replied, "Simple. I'll take the first guy aside, put my arm around his shoulder, and whisper, 'Do you see that sweet young lady? She's my only daughter, and I love her dearly. If you think about touching her, remember - I don't mind going back to prison.'"

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not exactly that kind of dad.