Anti-Father's Day isn't (or shouldn't) be about being angry.

It is for people who do not fit into the whole package of Happy Father's Day. It gives us permission to grieve, to feel hurt, to feel lost or sad, or angry or upset, or anything of a thousand and one other emotions. Regret included.

I did not have a good relationship with my Father. When he died over ten years ago I did not understand why I grieved. A friend told me I was regretting that now nothing could ever change. Our relationship could never have any chance to get better because he died and that ended all hope.

Anti-Father's Day acknowledges that Father's Day does not have the same meaning and happy feelings for everyone. Happy Fatherless Day! (June 13th)

You're not the only one who has a troubled relationship with their Father.

Anti-Father's Day is not about having a less than ideal relationship with your Father.

It isn't about wishing things could be great rather than just good. Anti-Father's Day is for people who suffered and may still suffer. It recognizes that not everyone had the life where buying a Father's Day card was just like in the commercials, the family TV shows, or right out of the pages of a glossy magazine.

Everyone who celebrates Anti-Father's Day should be doing so without bitterness. On this one day, let it go. Choose to make this day about yourself rather than past emotions. Don't buy that Father's Day card and be okay with that decision. Don't feel guilty. Don't feel you owe him a card because that's what you see on some TV show. Don't make a cake. Don't plan a party. Don't even visit him, or his grave. (Unless you can do so without bitterness, pain or pettiness).

Do something just for yourself on Anti-Father's Day.

If you are a Father yourself, spend the time with your children. Give them the Father's Day you wish you had had with your own Father.

If you are an Uncle, or a brother, spend the time with your extended family, especially any children who don't have a Father and would love to have the Father's Day other kids have been talking about.

If you want to make this day something just for yourself rather than give time to others, don't feel guilty because you don't need permission. Seize the day. Go to the local zoo, museum, take a road trip, go to a sporting event of your choice. Do something you have wanted to do but did not have the time - make Father's Day your own day to enjoy. Give yourself better memories.