Richard Gomez Gave His Daughter Juliana This Realistic Love Advice

What words of wisdom would you give your unica hija? For celebrity turned politician Richard Gomez, he didn’t shy away from his own dating history and was honest.

In his September 15 vlog, Ogie Diaz interviewed the Ormoc city mayor and asked a parent’s dreaded question: “Hindi ka ba naprapraning kasi nuong araw, playboy ka?”

Mayor Richard Gomez answered, "Sabi ko sa kanya, 'Juliana, napagdaanan ko yung mga 'yan. Alam ko yung mga babaeng madaling bolahin, nakikita mo yung mga babae na sineseryoso. Parang ako, binobola lang ako dati,' sabi kong gan’on.”

He said that he has accepted early on that one day, his unica hija is sure to have suitors and fall in love. 
"Tinanggap ko na talaga yung fact na darating yung panahon magkaka-edad si Juliana. Kahit babae 'to, magkakaroon ng boyfriend 'yan eh. Maganda yung bata, liligawan ‘yan, he said.

Mayor Gomez adds, “Sinasabi ko lang sa kanya, 'Sa itsura mong 'yan, talagang maraming aaligid-aligid sa paligid mo. Bantayan mo lang, pili ka lang ng mabuti. Kasi kung lalaki lang, napakaraming lalaki diyan.’

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"Sabi ko sa kanya, 'Juliana, napagdaanan ko yung mga 'yan. Alam ko yung mga babaeng madaling bolahin, nakikita mo yung mga babae na sineseryoso. Parang ako, binobola lang ako dati,' sabi kong gan’on.”

He was honest about his dating past and even used it to share some words of wisdom on dating.

"Pero sabi ko sa kanya, 'wag mo masyadong seryosohin. Basta relax ka lang. Enjoy it dahil ako, nag-enjoy din ako noong bata kasi ako, eh.”

He adds, ”Kung pipili ka ng boyfriend, huwag kang pumili ng boyfriend na katulad ni Richard Gomez. Kasi nuong bata 'yun, babaero 'yun, eh, malapit 'yan sa babae, ma-chicks 'yun. 

“Pero kung mag-aasawa ka na, pumili ka ng lalaki na katulad naman ni Richard Gomez. Nag-iba siya, matino na, mas mabait na.”

Parent’s guide to teenage dating

Talking about crushes, dating, and love might be an uncomfortable topic for some parents, but as Richard Gomez shows us, even the not-so-shining moments in a parent’s dating history doesn’t have to be hidden from our kids. And it can even be used to guide them to healthier habits.

Dina Cheney shares a few points in Good Housekeeping on talking to teens about dating. Here are some that might help:

1. Know what’s typical when it comes to teen dating.

What dating was like when you were young is probably no longer how dating is done by your teenager and her friends.

RELATED: Practical Guide For Teaching Your Kids About Sex: Loving Your Own Body And Crushes

2. Your child needs to be assured that you are there for them no matter their sexuality.

Cheney writes, “Kids who are questioning their sexuality are often an exception to the standard timetable. Make sure they know you’re there for them and will accept them no matter what.

Amy Lang, sexuality educator and author of Dating Smarts: What Every Teen Needs To Know To Date, Relate, Or Wait advises, "Do not shame kids, and if you’re uncomfortable, manage your discomfort away from your children.”

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3. Watch out for dating red flags.

“Look out for unhealthy relationship patterns, like controlling or overly demanding partners, and help your kids steer clear of significant others who encourage risky behavior like sneaking out at night, says Good Housekeeping.

4. Help your kids navigate heartbreak.

“When teens are upset, their emotions can outmatch their ability to have perspective, and they can become quite undone, says Lisa Damour, PhD psychologist and author of Untangled and Under Pressure in the same article.

Remember that talking to your child early and talking to your child often helps establish a strong parent and child relationship.

“Discuss healthy relationship patterns, especially the importance of both people’s needs being met,” advises Dr. Damour. And explain the importance of consent before making the first move.