How should I tell my dad I'm getting engaged?

Question

My boyfriend is proposing sometime in the next few months. I know the old-fashioned way is for the guy to ask the girl's dad himself, but my dad will probably shoot him in the head if he sneaks up on him like that. I feel like I should at least tell my dad that my boyfriend and I plan on getting married in the next couple of years, and bring up the idea to him so he doesn't go into anaphylactic shock when my boyfriend asks him. I'm an only child so I'm not sure how to approach him about it. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

Your boyfriend should probably tell your dad that he has been thinking about your future together lately and would like him to know that your plans for your future include you two getting married. You can tell your dad that you and your boyfriend have been talking about your future, but I really think it's for your boyfriend to approach your dad with his intentions.  

Answer 2

That's is two years away so much can happen in that time. I just would tell him that is the man I desire to marry one day and leave it at that for now.

Answer 3

Don't say it directly, just drop hints that you think your boyfriend might propose.  Judge his reaction so you can prepare your boyfriend.

Answer 4

Talk to your mom. Most young girls go to mom with this, then mom passes the  hint on to dad if she feels this is really serious. Then dad waits it out. When you and your b/f are ready, both of you talk to both parents. Let them know you are making plans 2 years in advance. This is not only old fashioned, but is respectful as well. Your parents will feel honored you included them in your plans. Instead of dropping the bomb on them.

ADDITION:

Dear Chelsie, I am sorry about your mom and dad. I had no idea, for you left no clue. Since you have only your dad to be concerned with on breaking the happy news, I agree with most of the answers already posted about passing a few hints. If he has seen you together, he probably has a hunch already any way. But it would be nice if you could pass a few hints, then you and your b/f "together" break the news to him, and ask for his Blessings. As for the 2 year thing, you said yourself that you and your b/f plan on getting married in the next "couple of years". Couple means more than one, at least two.

Answer 5

How old are you? You sound really young. Why would your dad be upset if your boyfriend asked for your hand? If you've been dating for a while, I'll bet your dad knows marriage may come. Your dad couldn't possibly be upset that you "didn't mention your plans" because you haven't been asked yet! Many a woman has shed tears because they THOUGHT a guy was going to propose. Even though it sounds old fashioned, guys still ask the dad for the woman's hand in marriage.

Answer 6

you said it old fashioned

no one today expect to be asked such a thing

my parents will be informed after the mather

ie phonecall

Hey we got engaged yest, just thougth i should let you know before word got around.

if they are lucky they will know beforehand when we get married, extremely lucky if we throw a wedding for them to attend. There is a history on both side of family to keep it small and in the thigth, so i dont think any of them would be overly surpriced to get the same phone on marriage aka after it happened.

Answer 7

doesn't your dad like him?!

Answer 8

i was in the same position as you..i just left clues around for him to see..like bridal magazines..and etc..and you just say little things like i cant wait for you to walk me down the aisle for my wedding day. trust me it work. and he won't be suprise.

Answer 9

As long as you are both of age, have finished your formal education and have great jobs where you can support yourselves, there shouldn't be a problem.

I am sure your dad does not want you to remain unmarried your entire life.

Don't say anything till you are engaged.

Then go see him and break the happy news.

Answer 10

I think you should definetely mention it to your dad. But do it in a casual way just mentioning that you two will be getting married in a few years. If you two look like your in love when your around he will be more suspecting of wedding plans. Or maybe you could talk to your mom about getting married in a few years. Kid around about it things like "I sure wish ____ Would hurry up and propose!" or "I'm still waiting for ____ to put a ring on my finger" and you can always say things like "I'd love to do that at our wedding..." stuff like that will help ease your way into having your boyfriend tell ask your dad. Those are the things I did....

Answer 11

You sound very young.

It is ok to drop hints I suppose but I don't see the point, your father is an adult and should be more than aware that things like this happen when a boy and a girl are dating.  

Answer 12

Well, just tell him what your plans are.  Be up front about it.  No use trying to hide things.  It's important to know that your father does not "own" you and that you are perfectly capable of making your own decisions.  This business of the father giving away the daughter is absurd.  There is no rule that says this must happen.  It's like giving away a piece of property.  How come a mother doesn't give away her son?  What kind of BS is this?