Should I Disobey My Parents' Dating Rules?

My parents have given me strict orders that I cannot date while I am in high school. They think I should focus on my grades to get into college. I do understand that it’s important for me to pay attention in school, but I do not agree with their rules. Most of my friends go out with their boyfriends. It’s not like I plan on getting married next year. I’m 15! Should I just date behind their backs? If I do, what is the best way to get away with it?

Thanks,
Playing Games

Dear Playing Games,
The fact that you used the name, Playing Games, says plenty! Many parents think it’s silly to get yourself into a relationship of the opposite sex in high school. You are going about this all wrong. First of all, have you stopped to think about why your parents don’t want you to date? Contrary to what you may think, it’s not because they want to see you live a nerdy life. With so many girls getting pregnant, raped, and even killed by crazy love triangles and bad relationships, it is only fair to respect why your parents feel this way. Is that clear? Now, is it fair to order you not to date? It is their house. You live in it. You can’t get away with much without getting in trouble. If your friends make fun of you, simply explain that your parents are “really into college.” Don’t keep saying that they don’t want you to have a boyfriend. That’s not the reason. They don’t want you to mess up the good things you have going on now. So, how do you change their minds? Prove to them that you can handle your responsibilities first. Although some parents may never change their rules, it’s best to speak up. If they want you to get good grades, you better believe that being a B student will not justify earning yourself rights to a boyfriend. Give them straight As and maybe they will consider it. If they want you to have lots of friends then, join a team or club after school. If your soon-to-be boyfriend is a good friend you’ve worked or played with, they are more likely to trust him. Always remember how young you are and that you’re not planning on getting married. Having a boyfriend right now is not a necessity. You can worry about not having a boyfriend more when you’ve finished your education and have a career. Then, your new problem will be learning how to stop your parents from asking “why aren’t you married yet?”