How do I introduce the guy I'm dating to my strict father?

United States
August 21, 2011 4:07pm CST
I have been dating this guy for four weeks now and we really click. He is a nice, respectful guy and I enjoy being around him. I'm nervous to introduce to my father because I know my dad won't allow me to date probably even though I'm 23. I never been able to go to my father about anything so I'm afraid when I tell my dad about this guy he would react negatively and make me stop seeing this guy without even meeting him. I know it's too early to introduce him to my father.
7 responses
@diala84 (138)
• United States
22 Aug 11
As long as you are not directly relying on your father for financial support or housing. Your life is your life and you need to make decisions for yourself even if they don't please everyone. All you can do is tell him. If he reacts negatively you can tell him that he doesn't have any say in your romantic life. If he reacts well then plan a get together and see how it turns out. Even though your dad may act like he has control over your life. You are the one in control and you need to make your own decisions whether he approves or not.
• Philippines
22 Aug 11
hello there, tips for u:(this can be in order or not). 1.let your father know you love him so much by surprising him with a treat, or by behaving well. 2.if he's in good mood, ask him of how he feels about a relationship or let him talk about the good moments that happened between him and your mother. 3. slowly and gently try asking him if having a boyfriend will be okay. 4.or, let your boyfriend come and visit you as if you two are just friends and let your boyfriend talk with him so that your father will know him well. 5. lastly, it's your boyfriend's guts to show you that if he truly wants you he would do he's best for both of you. remember, actions speaks louder than words. true love is not just being poetic but also romantic.
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
22 Aug 11
You have to take the chance and introduce the guy to your father. The longer you intend to keep your relationship a secret the madder he gets when he finds out. You wouldn't know your father's reaction until the very moment. Besides, if your guy is serious then he should be brave enough to face your father. Good luck.
@polaris77 (2040)
• Bacau, Romania
22 Aug 11
You have an age which allows to make your own decisions about your life,so if you really like this guy and feel that he's the right man you must have an open conversation with your father and explain to him that you have the right to decide on your own life and he should accept and respect your choices.It will probably be tough to speak sincerely to you father if you haven't done his before,but I think the sooner the better,delaying the moment of introducing him to your father isn't a good solution.
• Philippines
22 Aug 11
Hmm. You need to talk to your father first. You should explain to him that you're 23 and you're old enough to explore the matters of the heart, and that at your age you should be ready to face the bliss and pain of life, overall and in terms of love. All you have to do, dear, is to build up your courage and talk to your dad.
@zerd87 (301)
• Philippines
22 Aug 11
Just introduce him nicely to your father in the right time and place. Make sure you're father is in good mode before introducing.lol Just be yourself in introducing you bf it will help you react normally to your father. And lastly, don't leave your bf if something happens.
• Guatemala
21 Aug 11
I understand you don't want any trouble with your dad but the first thing to do is to have the guts to step forward and show him that you are now a fine grown woman who is able to make good choices. Sometimes parents are strict just because they are afraid, start calming this with letting him know more. After all, almost all human is afraid of the unknown. My best advice is that if he is really a nice guy, you should go ahead with your life because it is only yours.