Her parents misjudged me... Badly.

[Neomic]

This girl and I have been friends for a long time now (a couple of years), and have developed a very strong bond. She's 17 and I'm 20. I've been sort of in love with her for a while, and she opened up to me recently about how she feels the same way. Her parents don't exactly approve of us though. They're extremely religious and have very high expectations. Because of the age difference, they have this mind-set that I'm going to somehow be a bad influence on her when I'm honestly about as clean-cut as they come.

We really wanna be together, and we already talk and kind of treat each other like a couple. Is there any way I can go about maybe approaching her parents about this? I want to prove to them that I can meet and exceed their expectations, but I need to get their attention somehow.

[Neomic]

Anyone? I'm really stuck with this, and I need help before she gives up.

[Lipp]

Well, after all her parents are adults, I reckon the easiest way to go about it would simply be to sit down and explain it to them, but of course if you clamp up it won't help.

[Emesis]

Explain to her parents if they raised their daughter well, then they have nothing to worry about.

[vashti]

I think you would do well to discuss dating her with her parents. Ask under what conditions they would feel better about your dating her. I would expect them to set up rules regarding frequency of contact and appropriate dating venues. If you want them to accept you, you will comply with their rules exactly.

[Neomic]

Thank you, Vashi. I never thought about approaching them in that manner. I would definitely follow them to a tee, I wouldn't have any valid reason not to.

[Emesis]

Thank you, Vashi. I never thought about approaching them in that manner. I would definitely follow them to a tee, I wouldn't have any valid reason not to.

A valid reason not to follow their rules exactly is to preserve your dignity. You would be foolish, as a man, to compromise your self-worth to appease the overprotective parents of a 17 yr old girl.

[vashti]

Yes, by all means protect your "dignity", and forget dating this girl.

[Emesis]

Yes, by all means protect your "dignity", and forget dating this girl.

Yes, by all means, lower your expectations so you can date a minor. I'm sure your peers will have a laugh at that one.

[QuietLady]

Don't waste your time. Find a girl whose family will open up to you and welcome you as long as you treat their daughter decently.