How to handle parents fears of interracial dating?
Dear Beth: I’m good friends with a black guy, and lately we’ve become closer. He has asked to date me. I’m sort of afraid of doing this because my parents might not approve. How do I go about asking them if I can date this guy? And how do I tell him that I can’t date him because he’s black, because that’s probably what my parents will say? — Anonymous You may be right that they are prejudiced — most kids know their parents pretty well — but give them the benefit of the doubt. All dating raises concerns for parents, and anyone different from them can elevate their concerns. Most parents care less about the race of the person their child dates than they do about the qualities that matter in everyone: honesty, work ethic, kindness. You didn’t mention your friend’s family, but there’s a good chance he may be having the same discussion at his home. Bring up the subject by asking him how his parents feel about him dating someone outside of his race. Then tell him how you think yours will
