It sucks, today it seems many fathers(or mom/parents) don't teach their children dating/relationships. This is just something I started realizing in the last year or so.

After never dating a girl until I was 29! I felt I was so far behind. My first GF was a real sweetheart, but we were long-distance dating only seeing each other in person occasionally. (she was from my hometown). I honestly kept that relationship going for far too long. By the time I met another girl where I lived, I dumped her. Later the cute blonde girl I was dating dumped me after a couple of months. That set me on my quest to learn dating, relationships, social skills, etc.

From my teenage years, until I was 31 I was a total reclusive my entire life. I sat around playing endless video-games, avoiding eye-contact with everyone, getting sexual release from online porn. I had one massive crush in high-school but never asked her out. I never told my parents about this, nor did they once engage me about dating, girls, sex, relationships etc. While I love them they weren't parenting. Instead, they were more or less providers. I ate well, had decent clothes, my own computer, and they loved me. But in my younger years, I lacked social skills, confidence, scared of my own shadow. So I Hid in video games and porn.

I can't blame my own parents, both of them never dating much, both marrying the first person they met and dated. They didn't have the experience themselves. I'm not sure other's experience with parents teaching them these important life skills.

Were your parents a big influence on your dating life? Did they pass on knowledge or skills to you? (Mother or father). Did they pass on negative dating behavior to you that you had to unlearn to progress?

For me, I was not even talked about dating or girls. Instead, I was left to be imprinted by movies, media, art, American Culture of "always be nice! In the end, you'll get the girl!". I still remember when the cute blonde girl I dated left me, I questioned myself "I have a good job, I'm nice, goals in life, I just don't get it! Her last BF was a very angry, dumb, bozo!"

In the end, the best teachers that helped me achieve success with women, was Corey Wayne 3% man(found by browsing this subreddit), Mark Manson, and just field Experience of going out 'gaming'.

In the end, those that achieve success in dating, who go on and have families, I hope you impart your knowledge to your teenagers going through the awkward phases of dating, sex, and relationships.

Edit and update: Writing this late last night, I should mention that I had been achieving success in all fields not just dating. I met a really sweet, caring, girl in my hometown(not via tinder or online dating apps the 'old way') and we started dating (right before Coronavirus and lock-downs). We now live together with 2 dogs and a cat. I've quit my lame 9-5 job to pursue entrepreneur pursuits which are proving very successful. I finally paid off all my debt I've accumulated during the past 4 years. I still talk to my parents, I've told my mom how I felt about my childhood, and have stood-up more to my dad. As with everything in life, my progress is good but never finished. There still much more to go and learn.