FOLIO
Dear Dumbs,
My mom listens to your show, and I’d like to get an answer from you.
I’m Stan and I’m 15 years old. I don’t have any brothers or sisters, and I think that’s why my parents are so protective. I’m not allowed to date yet. The rule is not set in stone, but it’s pretty clear that mom and dad don’t think I’m ready.
I have a new friend who has a hot sister who is 14 years old, and I think I love her. I’m sorry for using you to bring this up to my mom, but I don’t know what to do. This isn’t just a little crush, and I want to ask her out sometime.
Thank you,
Stan
TERRY: This hands down is my favorite email we’ve ever received. And you have a great old school name.
SHARI: For sure, Stan! Own that name. And you’re damn adorable on so many levels.
TERRY: For such a short email there’s a lot to tell you here. I just don’t know how brutally honest I should be.
SHARI: Stan can handle it.
TERRY: OK. Well, let be try my best to get you some information without crushing your childhood.
SHARI: Look at you being responsible. That’s not the man I married.
TERRY: LOLOL. Let’s take it from the top. Your parents aren’t over protective. I know it feels that way, but what you’re experiencing here is love.
SHARI: You need to remember that your parents were your age, and they just don’t want you to make the same mistakes they did.
TERRY: We don’t have kids, but if we did and read this email, I think my first reaction would be to let the kid experience his first love and his first heartbreak.
SHARI: Yes, there’s definitely a right of passage here.
TERRY: So here comes the truth Stan. You are in love. But it’s a different kind of love than you’ll experience later in life. Enjoy that feeling. But the truth is you won’t remember this girl’s name in 20 years.
SHARI: He’s right, Stan. And she won’t remember your name either. I think you did the right thing by sending this email, and now your parents know it’s time for your first real adult conversation with them.
TERRY: You don’t have to agree with them but really listen to them and try your very best to put yourself in their position.
SHARI: It won’t be easy to see things from their perspective, but try.
TERRY: Together you can find a way to get to know this girl better. Hang out. Have fun and, by all means, don’t be afraid to talk to your parents about every detail.
SHARI: They are good examples of what love is, and they can help you.
TERRY: And please email us again when you’re completely devastated. We will be there for you. You’re a good kid, man.
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