DrRoberta Dear Dr. Roberta,
My father won’t let me date until I am 16. I tell him that in America everyone goes out at much younger ages and he’s making me into a joke in front of my classmates. He says he doesn’t care and I must obey him. I am considering running away from home. What do you think?
New American, Michigan
Dear New American,
I think you should slowly teach your father American ways and assure him that you won’t forget your heritage. Running away will make matters worse. Try inviting a friend or two to your home. When your father meets your buddies and is comfortable with them in your house, he may allow you to go to their homes. Eventually he’ll say it’s okay to go out in a group. When you are an adult you’ll realize that beginning to date at a later age is not all that bad. Many women regret that they started dating too young; rarely do women regret dating at older ages.
– Dr. Roberta
