He picked you up when you fell. He corrected you when you were wrong. He gave you the space to spread your wings and the courage to take flight and follow your dreams. He is a daughter's first love and a son's first hero. He is your Dad. And if you relate to any of these things, then your Dad is probably your best friend.

1. He was your first 4 a.m. friend.

He is one guy you can count on to pick up your phone no matter what time it is. Reasons can range from "I'm out of money" to "I'm in trouble" to some query related to being a grown up that you never quite figured out for yourself.

2. You had your fist peg with your Dad.

And you still remember it as clear as day. You, your dad, two pegs from his bottle of expensive scotch and then that long talk about alcohol and responsibility.