#126: Classic Dads: Mr. Matthews (Boy Meets World)

 You’d be quick to think that the Father figure in the show is Mr. Feeny, as he offers many advice and life lessons to Cory, Topanga, Shawn, and Eric. But let’s not forget the true Dad in Boy Meets World: Alan Matthews. Mr. Matthews is the latest edition to our classic Dads for his ability to embarrass his three kids, play a behind the scenes role, and part upon wisdom when needed.

Mr. Matthews had to balance Eric’s girl crazy mannerisms while trying to maintain Cory & Topanga’s whimsical growing love. He then struggled with his youngest, Morgan, as he was just used to raising boys, a classic Dad move. Let’s not forget his fatherly doings to Shawn…before Shawn moved in with Mr. Turner.

Let us not forget that all this fatherly advice, care-taking and raising was done while being a manager at the local supermarket. It wasn’t the most glamorous of jobs and he definitely passed the lesson of money along to his sons. Even when he made the mistake of quitting his job without notifying his family, he made a Dad adjustment and found a new job as the owner of an Outdoor & Sporting Goods store. 

Although they lived in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, we shouldn’t be quick to forget the effect that Mr. Matthews had on Cory & Eric. Because without Alan’s Dad-ness, Cory & Eric may not have been getting into as many hi-jinx. And we hope Cory is just as good of a Dad for his daughter in Girl Meets World. 

 

#106: Telling You What He'd Do...

Did you watch the presidential debate last night? Chances are that Dad did. And while you remained confused as to what was actually being said, Dad was being stating what he would do:

“If I were president, I would be doing such a better job!” No matter if Dad likes or dislikes the current president, He guarantees he would do a better job. But in true political fashion, Dad doesn’t say what he would do. But that doesn’t prevent Dad from sharing his opinion. 

Much like a Monday morning quarterback, Dad appears wisest when sharing what he’d do in hindsight. “Well what I would’ve done…” “If I had been in your position…” are muttered over black coffee & bran cereal. It is this very Dad nature that makes us turn to Dad for advice. It is the reason his dinner time questions and idioms blow our minds and clarify life lessons without saying anything at all.

Dad doesn’t reserve telling you what he’d do for when you ask, rather he’ll impose his way of thinking before you even realize it. Dad is the coach you never asked for, making Dear Abbey useless. “I’d doubleknot those shoes if I were you.” ”I would’ve stretched more…” “I’d give your mother a kiss if I were you.” “I’d apologize to your teacher if I were you.” Guess what Dad? You’re not me. But always take Dad’s suggestions to heart before dismissing it, because Dad often has a point--He's already done it once when He was your age.