Navigating Parental Expectations: Responding to 'Not Long Enough' for Marriage

Question
When I ask for her parents blessing in their daughter marriage to me what if I receive a response or a question of: You havent been together long enough. How would I respond to that question

Answer
You could say, "That something she and I will have to discuss. I understand that you do not want to give your blessing until we have been together long enough. How long do you think we need to be together?"

What the parents may really be saying is that they do not know you well enough. I suggest bonding with them by showing interest in their lives, experiences, values, and beliefs so they feel understood and accepted by you. Then they will more likely accept you.

For more in-depth understanding of this issue see http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Counseling-Skills-therapeutic-statements/dp/1442...