So you?ve stopped hanging out with women and started dating them. Consequently, you?ve found a woman who has become your best friend, and you know she is the one. Things have been serious for quite some time now and you?re ready to take your relationship to the next level: marriage.
One tradition that has been slowly fading away from Western society is asking a woman?s father for her hand in marriage. Many argue that the whole idea smacks of sexism and chauvinism and harks back to times when women were treated like chattel.
Whatever. I think it?s just respectful to ask your future bride?s father for his blessing as you start down the path towards matrimony. It lets your girlfriend?s father know that you?re sincere in your intentions and a true gentleman. It?s an important tradition, a rite of passage, and a bonding experience between you and your future father-in-law. Plus, most women we asked think it?s a sweet gesture.
But it?s no easy task; the experience can make any man a nervous wreck. I remember when I had the talk with my father-in-law; I was sweating bullets. Hopefully, the guidelines that follow will help ease the stress and make the experience bearable if not enjoyable.
