Relationships are the essence of human existence (Close et al., 2020; Condon et al., 2019). Relationships can be introduced to humans as early as conception. While biological parents can be expected to serve as the primary figures to cultivate connectedness and bonds, literature has shown a great disruption between a child and their biological parent. This study delves deeper into one such disruption known as the absent father. In the context of the current study, absent father is defined as a phenomenon that describes social issues regarding fatherlessness. The current phenomenological study describes the lived experiences of women who were raised in father-absent homes and experienced maternal gatekeeping as it relates to their decision-making in adulthood. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of both a father and a mother on their daughter's decision-making regarding interpersonal relationships. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]