SHOULD MY PARENTS MEET MY DATE?
My sister’s high school date rang the doorbell to find my dad (A bearded man with a muscular build and a bald head) blocking the doorway. My dad promptly asked to see the young man’s hands. The young guy hesitantly showed his hands to my straight-faced father. I’ll never forget what my dad said next… “Young man, you have nice hands. If you want to keep ‘em nice…you’ll keep ‘em off my daughter.”
The young guy was sweating like a pig in a bacon factory! He learned an important lesson that night. Dads know the value of their daughters.
Dating has changed throughout history. The awkward “meeting the parents date” was usually the first date. Men used to “court” a woman by spending time with her and her family. How awesome would that have been? (Well, at least you could develop a friendship without the lingering temptation to rush into physical affections) Your date’s family would be there to keep a watchful eye on you…HAND CHECK!
The “meeting the parents date” has now been postponed due in part to technological advances like the cell phone, the Internet, and the automobile. Couples now get to know one another apart from their parents…and sometimes themselves (Online dating). Either way, the parental influence has been overshadowed by peers. One girl told me, “If he gets along with my friends, then I know he’s boyfriend material.” Another girl told me, “If my dog likes him, then I know I can trust him enough to date him.” Why does this openness stop when it comes to parental advice?
The parental presence has a way of reminding your potential boyfriends that you’re not a piece of pleasure, you’re a personal treasure.
Your parents’ opinions should matter! Like it or not, your parents have dated before and probably possess valuable insights that your friends don’t have. Your parents are a prized resource that many people fail to tap into. Include your parents in the dating process! And if your parents don’t already require it…make “meeting the parents” part of every date. Beware of those guys that honk the horn and expect you to run out. If a guy respects you, he will respect your parents.
I recommend withholding your commitment until your parents approve of him. One thing is certain...a guy with hidden intentions will often hide from your parents.
My sister’s high school date rang the doorbell to find my dad (A bearded man with a muscular build and a bald head) blocking the doorway. My dad promptly asked to see the young man’s hands. The young guy hesitantly showed his hands to my straight-faced father. I’ll never forget what my dad said next… “Young man, you have nice hands. If you want to keep ‘em nice…you’ll keep ‘em off my daughter.”
The young guy was sweating like a pig in a bacon factory! He learned an important lesson that night. Dads know the value of their daughters.
Dating has changed throughout history. The awkward “meeting the parents date” was usually the first date. Men used to “court” a woman by spending time with her and her family. How awesome would that have been? (Well, at least you could develop a friendship without the lingering temptation to rush into physical affections) Your date’s family would be there to keep a watchful eye on you…HAND CHECK!
The “meeting the parents date” has now been postponed due in part to technological advances like the cell phone, the Internet, and the automobile. Couples now get to know one another apart from their parents…and sometimes themselves (Online dating). Either way, the parental influence has been overshadowed by peers. One girl told me, “If he gets along with my friends, then I know he’s boyfriend material.” Another girl told me, “If my dog likes him, then I know I can trust him enough to date him.” Why does this openness stop when it comes to parental advice?
The parental presence has a way of reminding your potential boyfriends that you’re not a piece of pleasure, you’re a personal treasure.
Your parents’ opinions should matter! Like it or not, your parents have dated before and probably possess valuable insights that your friends don’t have. Your parents are a prized resource that many people fail to tap into. Include your parents in the dating process! And if your parents don’t already require it…make “meeting the parents” part of every date. Beware of those guys that honk the horn and expect you to run out. If a guy respects you, he will respect your parents.
I recommend withholding your commitment until your parents approve of him. One thing is certain...a guy with hidden intentions will often hide from your parents.