My dad is the type of father who believes his children should talk when talked to, and never interrupt an adult when talking unless it was a matter of life or death.
I hated the idea that we were to be seen but not heard, but it was his belief.
Even after I was in high school, dad stuck with his rule. I was getting ready to graduate high school and considering a career in HVAC. I had a lot of information from the local technical school, but I wanted to talk to someone who had been there. When I overheard dad talking to mom about the HVAC tech being there the following day, I got excited. I was sure I was going to get to talk to him and get more information. I had so many questions about HVAC that I couldn’t wait until the HVAC technician arrived. The HVAC technician arrived just a few minutes before my dad. I got to introduce myself and tell him I was considering a career as an HVAC tech, but then dad arrived. He ordered me to go into the house. I knew I was already in trouble, so I defied my dad. I continued to ask questions, even though I saw my dad simmering a short distance away. I don’t know why he changed his mind about punishing me, but when the HVAC tech left, he asked if HVAC technical school was something I truly wanted, and asked me to get the paperwork for him. He wanted to review the application and make sure I was qualified to apply before he signed the papers and paid the tuition.