How I Catfished My Own Father Into Going to Therapy

Sometimes as women, we must use the tools we are given by our society to improve it. It’s these tools (looks, charm, presumed innocence) that I used to catfish my father into going to therapy.

It had to happen - for the betterment of my family, friends, and ultimately to help my dad stop being such a jackass. This is what I kept telling myself as I sent an unrepeatable message to the man that made me.

However, it technically wasn’t me, but instead an online persona I created. I have her to thank for this - if it wasn’t for Donna, my parents would be divorced and I wouldn’t be speaking to my dad at all.

You see my dad is a huge jerk and nothing anyone said to him would change that. Nothing crazy but the usual man issues. Emotions haywire, and no concept of what anyone else feels but him.

One day I had enough, I’ll admit. I couldn’t take one more moment of weaponized incompetence. So I did what anyone would do. I signed up with a dating site and subtly convinced my father to do the same. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that hard.

He immensely matched with my persona and we dove right in. Donna played hard to get but my dad was persistent. The only thing Donna required? A man in therapy.

Next thing you know my dad has not only discovered empathy, but understands and acknowledges his emotions. Now instead of a toddler-esque meltdown whenever there’s a wait at Chili’s, remains a patient and understanding man.

It will be hard to see him suffer once Donna (me) ends things with him. However, thanks to months of therapy I think he’ll be okay.