How to Tell Your Parents You’re Dating an Older Guy

So you've finally gotten the attention of that cutie in the hall, and now you're smitten with each other—yay, you!

The only problem? The age gap. Sure, it may only be two grade levels, but to your parents it can sound like two decades. So, how do you ease your parents into the idea of letting you have an older beau? As someone who dated a fair share of older gents in high school, below are the easiest ways to relay the news to the 'rents that you're dating an older guy:

Invite Him Over to Study

Before hitting them with all the tea, invite him over for a study session and have him stay for dinner. Tell your boy to be on his best behavior, because the more they like him, the better your chance of getting the green light.

 

Let Your Families Meet

Sometimes it's nice to set up a little Parent Trap action and have your families "bump into" each other at the farmer's market, the movies, or at a local lunch spot. Allowing your parents to establish a relationship and have an open line of communication makes things much less scary for them and more willing to let you hang out at each other's houses.

 

Talk to Them Honestly

Your parents are human and they, too, were in high school and probably had a crush or (gasp) maybe even a relationship. Talking to them honestly about why you want to date this new guy, what you have in common, and how he treats you well will resonate with your parents. Save them the nitty gritty details, but telling them how your feel overall will get you far.

Be open to having a conversation and listening to their concerns. The more you listen and absorb what they have to say, the more likely they are going to trust you and this new relationship.

 

Show Them You're Mature Enough

Being in a relationship with someone older requires maturity, so if you can't seem to get your act together (ie. do your chores, keep your room tidy, have good class attendance), then why should you be able to date?

 

Be Willing to Compromise

Remember that you are still your parents' responsibility. Your parents might be OK with you dating your new dude, but be willing to compromise until they fully trust you. Don't push it with curfew or try and get out of family functions just because you've got a guy.

 

Remind Them That School Always Comes First

A big worry for parents is that you will get so distracted by your love that it'll you take away from studying and your education. Make an effort to tell (and show!) your parents that school always comes first.

 

Don't Whine, Cry or Beg

Okay, so your parents are less than stoked on the idea of your older boyfriend. Pause—don't whine, cry or beg. Be rational and logical and impress them with your emotional intelligence. Tell them that you understand their perspective and then ask that they listen to yours. The more calm you can be, the more likely you will get your way.

 

Got the green light for the older guy? HERE are questions everyone has in a relationship.