How to Get Your Parents to Let You Date Someone

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The emotional sensation that you get when you like someone is overwhelming. If you’ve met someone you really like, it makes sense that you’d want to date them. Sometimes parents can disapprove, especially if you're younger, which can make you feel sad and frustrated. Luckily there are a few things you can do to change their mind on dating, it just requires patience and an openness to change.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Discussing It With Your Parents

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  1. The first thing to do is to talk to your parents about dating, and be honest and receptive during the talk. Never start this conversation after a fight, or after they tell you that you can’t date. You want to get their position on the issue, and their level of opposition to dating.
    • Bring it up at a random time so they won’t become suspicious of your questions.
    • Listen, and don’t try to interject unless they ask you a question.
    • You can start the conversation by saying something like "When did you start dating?" or "How did you meet dad?"
  2. Your parents grew up in a different generation, so dating when they were your age was much different. [1] For that reason, you should get their perspective on dating even if you think it’s old fashioned and you don’t agree.
    • The more that you understand why your parents are so opposed to dating, the more you’ll understand ways to change their mind or ease their concerns. [2]
    • Sometimes your parents don’t want you to date because of your cultural background or religious reasons. In these cases, it may be harder (or impossible) to change their mind. [3]
    • Saying things like “times have changed” may not be the best way to persuade your parents, even though it may be true.
    • If possible, try to engage in face-to-face conversations when it's a sensitive subject. So much more information can be exchanged through face-to-face conversations, and this can help generate more understanding and empathy for one another, especially when sharing potentially triggering information.
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  3. Once you understand their perspective, think of solutions to change their mind. Figure out reasons why you parents don’t want you to date and prove them wrong. If they say you are too irresponsible, take up more responsibilities around the house.
    • Discuss things that you parents want you to do in order to date and make sure to put effort towards them. If you really want to date and really like the person you want to date, you’ll do what it takes.
    • If dating is dominating your mind and taking you away from your responsibilities, try to get better at a hobby or sport to sharpen your focus.
    • Don't talk about how you will change, show your parents through your actions.
  4. Sometimes parents distrust other people, not you, so it’s important to talk to your parents about who you want to date. [4] Highlight the positives about the person, like any sports or activities they are participating in, and explain what you have in common. Always stay away from the negative things, and make sure the reasons you want to date them are genuine.
    • You can bring the person up before you tell your parents you want to date them. Say something like "There's a person at school named (insert name here) and they are top of the class."
    • The more you talk about your relationship or your desire to date, the more your parents will want to be involved in a positive way.
    • Things that you might find cool about the person are the same things you parents might disapprove of, so it’s important to understand what they want to hear.
    • If the person you are dating is good in school, this is a huge plus for most parents.
  5. Yelling at your parents is never going to get them to change their mind about dating, and can actually damage your chances of ever dating while you live with them. [5] Never get in fights about their views on you dating, just remain calm and try to change their minds. If the issue is getting heated, and if you feel like an argument is brewing, just drop it before it gets out of hand.
    • Accept their decision and change the subject if you feel the conversation is getting negative or you are getting emotional.
    • Don't walk away in the middle of a fight or ignore you parents. That shows immaturity. Instead try to resolve the issue but respect their opinion at all times.
    • Say "I understand your perspective but I don't agree. I love you, so I'll do what you say, but I'd like to talk about it later when I'm not so emotional please."
    • You won’t change your parent’s minds in one conversation, it may take a while for them to come around.
    • Don’t ever act snide or sarcastic with you parents because it will damage your chances of them saying yes in the future.
  6. Sometimes parents just need time before they get used to the idea that their child is old enough to date someone. [6] If you can show them that you are ready for dating by fulfilling some of their expectations, this will translate into them treating you more like an adult. Wait a couple of weeks or a month, and then revisit the issue once they have had time to think about your side of things.
    • You can start the conversation by saying "I know you told me you disapprove of dating in the past, but I've been taking care of all my responsibilities and I want to spend time with this person. You may not think it's important but it's really affecting me emotionally and I think I'm emotionally mature enough to start."
    • Don’t ask them or talk about it every day.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Changing Your Parent’s Minds

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  1. Dating someone requires maturity, and is one of the main reasons many parents don’t want their children to date. Making mistakes or being immature or careless in a relationship can have real, long-lasting consequences. Maturity means taking care of your responsibilities without being asked or reminded and making responsible decisions.
    • A major reason parents don’t want kids to date is because they are doing poorly in school.
    • The more that you show you can handle your life and your responsibilities, the more you parents will think you can handle dating someone.
    • Maturity also means not arguing or bickering with you parents constantly. Try to go with the flow and make life easy for both of you!
  2. It might seem unrelated, but sometimes parents are just stressed and need more help around the house. Take the initiative at home to help the family. Do all your chores without being asked to do them, and ask your parents if they need help. The more you get on their good side, the more they’re likely to let you date.
    • Go beyond the chores. Help your parents out with stuff that takes up their time. If you can gain their respect, they will start to open up about dating.
    • Surprising your parents by taking initiative will always make them happier and possibly more receptive about dating.
  3. Another main culprit to why some parents don’t want their children to date is a betrayal of trust that has taken place prior. If you’ve went behind your parent’s back before, they can’t trust you won’t do it again. This specifically applies to sex, and the potential of STIs or an unplanned pregnancy. [7] The more open and honest you are with your parents, even if they disapprove, the more they will respect you and will want to be involved in a positive way with your relationships.
    • Apologize about lying the first time, and tell them that you understand why it was wrong. Convince them by consistently telling the truth even if it doesn't work in your favor because it will show them that you won't hide things from them.
    • Don’t go against them and date behind their back, because it could have bad repercussions down the line and they may restrict you from dating for an even longer time.
    • Sometimes the best way to build trust is to tell your parents something that you did that they will disapprove of. If you show that you’re honest even when it looks bad, they’ll start to think that you’ll always be honest with them.
    • It might be hard to keep truthful if you parents punish you every time you do something wrong, but it’s the only way to build their trust.
  4. Ultimately you live under your parents roof and they provide you with the food and clothing you have, so you need to respect their final decision. If you’ve taken all the steps to win their trust and understand them, and they still don’t want you to date, try to compromise with them. Things like agreeing not to date for the next year, getting better grades, or not getting into trouble may be a compromise that could open the doors for dating for you.
    • There is usually a good reason your parents don’t want you to date, so don’t dismiss their opinions immediately.
    • Be honest with yourself about dating. Even though you may really like a person, it doesn’t mean you are ready to date. [8]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Introducing Your Date To Your Parents

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  1. Before you introduce your potential significant other to your parents, you should ask yourself if this person is good enough. If you’re scared they might embarrass you, maybe you should re-think dating this person in the first place.
    • If your parents don’t want you to date and your date leaves a negative impression, it may hurt your chances in the future.
    • Think about how this person acts around older people and teachers and you can assume the behavior may be similar.
  2. A good way to introduce the person you want to date to your parents is by introducing them first as a friend. This will make it so that your parents don’t have immediate bias for the person.
    • If you get in trouble with your “friend” then your parents may get a negative impression and restrict you from dating them.
    • Let your parents know they are coming beforehand to avoid an awkward situation.
    EXPERT TIP

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    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
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    Dating Coach

    You're taking a step in the right direction, and that's what matters! Taking this step to have your partner meet your friends and family can bring you both closer together, and it shows your seriousness about the relationship's future.

  3. One way to alleviate the stress that your parents may have with dating is by introducing them to your date’s parents. If they speak to one another they may develop a friendship and a positive impression of the person you’re trying to date.
    • Some parents look for a strong family behind anyone you’re dating. If this is the case, this approach may win them over.
    • You can do this at a public sporting event or at a show.
  4. If you really want to date someone but your parents won’t let you, you should let that person know. That way they won’t take anything personally, but also so that they know to be on their best behavior when they meet them.
    • You can say "I really like you and want to date you, but I can't constantly fight with my parents so please act respectful and try to make a good impression when you meet them."
    • If you understand their perspective, you can relay that onto your date and hopefully they will act appropriate and likable.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I said yes to a girl who asked me out, what happens if my parents say no?
    Community Answer
    Don't ask your parents--tell them. Explain that a girl asked you out and that you said yes and see what their response is. Explain that you don't want to hurt the girl's feelings and ask them for advice on what to do.
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  • Question
    I like a guy and he asked me out but my parents won't let me date. My friends tell me to date in secret but that doesn't feel right. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You're correct, it's not right. The stress of hiding it from your parents is going to build up over time, and the relationship may not even be enjoyable for you. The best thing to do for right now is to go on group outings with the person who asked you out. Hang out with a couple of friends at the mall, or go to the movies together. You won't be dating him one on one, but you'll still have a chance to see him until your parents come around. Use the techniques above to try to change their minds.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    My parents don't want me to date because they think that dating in secondary school is "silly" and that we'll just be "playing" plus, they say that I need to focus on studies, not boys, even though my grades are high.
    Community Answer
    You're parents are saying that because it's hard for them to remember how it feels to be your age, and don't understand your perspective. Be friends with the boy first. If they don't allow you to go on one on one dates, go on group outings with your friends.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Before you decide you want to date, think carefully about whether you are truly ready for a relationship and who you might want to date. Discussing potential partners with your parents can help them understand your interest in dating.
      • Listen respectfully when your parents share their perspective on relationships. Avoid arguing, but explain calmly why you feel ready. Responsibility in other areas of your life can demonstrate maturity.
      • Introducing a potential partner gradually as a friend first allows your parents an unbiased chance to get to know them. Their impression matters, so give thoughtful consideration to who you bring home.
      • Compromise respectfully if absolute agreement can’t be reached. Consider your parents’ guidance about appropriate ages or stages for relationships. Their wisdom comes from experience.
      • Secret relationships betray trust. Speak openly with your parents about dating interests. Their involvement, when respectful, can help guide wise decisions.
      • Honesty builds trust. Admit past mistakes and commit to open communication going forward. Consistent truthfulness, even when difficult, conveys maturity.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.mckendree.edu/academics/scholars/issue9/sledge.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/enlightened-living/201005/gaining-perspective-someone-else-s-perspective
      3. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1533-8525.2005.00005.x
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sex-murder-and-the-meaning-life/201107/why-the-human-brain-is-designed-distrust
      5. ↑ https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cdev.12143
      6. ↑ http://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2015-pace-of-social-change/
      7. ↑ http://search.proquest.com/openview/d69cf5f0fa382c4f68f6dd6b0dc6f06d/1?pq-origsite=gscholar
      8. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140197101904105

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The best way to get your parents to let you date someone is to have an open and honest conversation with them about how you feel. Listen carefully to their objections so that you can make suggestions to change their mind. For example, if your parents say they don’t trust you to be responsible, offer to take on more responsibilities around the house, like putting out the trash or cleaning the house. You can also prove your maturity by making sure you complete all of your school work on time. Tell your parents a little bit about the person you want to date, focusing on the positive things, like the sport they play or a hobby they have. If your parents continue to oppose you dating, wait a month or 2 before raising the issue again, since they might just need a bit of time to get used to the idea of you wanting to date. For tips on when it’s right to introduce a date to your parents, keep reading!

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