"Dad, I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you've done for me and how you're always there when I need you. But I really need to try to be independent now, do things on my own. That would make me really happy and proud of myself. Just don't go too far away. If I do need some help, I know I can come to you then."

I don't know how old you are. I will assume at least 18. I will also assume you are living on your own and basically supporting yourself with no or very little help from daddy. Unfortunately Dads tend to forget that their little girl is grown and capable of making her own decisions now. I have a son who just turned 20 so I don't worry so much about him. Mainly because he is not capable of getting pregnant and having some loser leave him in the dust to raise the kid on his own. I think that is the main concern of most dads that their little girl will be led astray by a loser who will make her believe his line of bull. Then bed her down and once she is in the family way dump her like yesterday's trash. Because he is too much of a coward to stick around and help raise the child. You may want to tell dad that you appriciate his concerns for you. That you do love him and are happy to hear he is so worried about you. However you are a big girl now and have to make some decisions on your own that don't require his help or input. If my assumptions are wrong and you are either under 18 or your dad is still primarily financially supporting you unfortunately there isn't much you can say to him without hurting his feelings and possibly making him mad enough to cut off support.