Are they over reacting?

Question

I met a guy at my church about 3 weeks ago. We only saw each other about 3-4 times but we've been talking on the phone practically every night. It got to the point where he asked me on a date, and I said yes.

My parents, on the other hand, were not having it and said that i didn't know the guy enough to go out on a date with him. It was my understanding that the main purpose of a date, especially at this time is to get to know a person before establishing some sort of a relationship.

They say this because they believe that I first have to observe that person in their surroundings for at least 2 months. However, the problem lies in the fact that we won't have the opportunity to see each other as much as we'd like. But they also get upset when he's anywhere close to me regardless of how many people are around me.

I offered to take my best friend along with me and at first, they agreed, but later they said they didn't think it was a good idea.

Am I the one who's not getting something?

I would really appreciate a response from a parent, but anyone's welcome to answer.

(I'm 17 btw)

Answer 1

As a parent i can understand where they are coming from. They want to see how he treats you and if he has manners. Maybe you need to invite him over to spend time with you and your parents. Then they will get to know him and they maybe they will change their minds and let you do the group dating.  But you have to meet them half way to let them see you are not hiding things. Good luck with your choice.

Answer 2

I agree completely with "Baby on Board"

Answer 3

Well, I agree with the fact that you should get to know someone for a few months before agreeing to go on a date with them, however, you ARE 17, and at 17, as long as I felt you were responsible enough, I would let you go on a date. Especially since you offered to go on a group date, I don't see a problem with that. I do think your parents are over-reacting a bit, since you are almost legally an adult and not some 13 year old who is really immature and doesn't know what they are talking about.

Answer 4

I think they are being overprotective, but then again, I don't have any daughters thank goodness.

Answer 5

It sounds like your parents are very controlling, some parents are just like that. Life isn't fair and you just have to respect them until you can get old enough to make your own decisions. 17 is plenty old enough to go out on a date with someone as long as they feel he is responsible. If you met him at church especially. Its not like you met him at a party ha. You need to get out and experience life it sounds like. I dated a girl with parents just like that, they didnt let her go away to college either.

It doesnt sound like your some snotty nosed brat, and your terms were pretty reasonable.

Try to get away to college though if you can, just dont even go crazy with the freedom you will one day get.