That’s What’s Up!

Dear Teressa,

My 13-year-old daughter has a boyfriend, or should I say a man that she’s trying to date. He’s a junior in high school and she’s still in the 8^th grade. She has lied to me about his age, and lied to her mother as well. Her boyfriend also lied to his parents about her age. My ex-wife and I both have discouraged and forbid my daughter to see this man, yet she’s sneaking off to be with him, or they’re constantly sending texts to each other. How do I bust up this inappropriate relationship without busting up my relationship with my daughter? -Determined Dad

 

Determined,

If she’s sneaking off with him, then that means you’re not paying attention to where she’s at. I know you can’t watch a teenager all the time, but it’s not like she can drive and take herself places.

You should contact the boy’s parents and let them know that you don’t want them seeing your daughter. Explain to them your concerns. Perhaps you should meet the boyfriend, if you haven’t already. Who knows, maybe he’s an innocent older boyfriend that truly does like your daughter. Or he could be the creep that you imagine him to be. The only way to know for sure is to meet him. You said that your daughter is constantly texting him? The easiest way to prevent her from texting is to take her phone from her. She’s 13; she’s not paying any bills.

I think what’s interesting is that a lot of parents forget that they were teenagers once. Parents should try to talk more to their children and communicate, and let them know that you can relate to what they’re doing—and perhaps you can spare them heartache.

The approach that parents take is always very important. If you attack her and do all of the talking about why she can’t date this guy then she’ll most likely rebel and shut down, and run even quicker into his arms. –That’s What’s Up!

 

 

 

Dear Teressa,

I’ve been meeting women from the Internet, and things have been going well with that. I approve of the online dating. I think it’s 2009 and people should get with the program.  I think the old fashioned people should sit back and keep their mouths shut and remain in their uneventful marriages. I have several friends that have met people from the net and ended up in a good relationship. I encourage people to explore the possibilities of finding love on the net. –DotCom

 

Dotcom,

I totally agree with the online dating. It’s not for everyone, but the ones that try it tend to approve of it. Nothing is ever 100% perfect. –That’s What’s Up!

 

Dear Teressa,

How do I tell my close friend that her breath stinks? When she talks it stinks up the entire room. God forbid that we are in a car together. It stinks up the entire car and it smells like death. How do I tell her that her breath is foul! –Fed up with Friends Foul Breathe

 

Fed,

If she’s so close you should have no problem telling her that she’s got halitosis. You should encourage her to brush, floss, rinse and get to the nearest dentist. She very well could have an infected tooth.

You could also stock up on breathe mints and gum, and offer it to her every time you see her. You should explain to her that you’re not trying to be offensive and that you’re concerned. If you’re sincere, which I totally think you are being sincere, then it shouldn’t be offensive at all. Also, explain to her that if there is something that you could correct or use advice on, she can feel free to let you know about it. That’s what friends are for!