Firstdateitis—A Dangerous Disease for Dad

By Mike VonFabian

It’s your first date. 

You’ve been getting ready for the last four hours in preparation for your guy to show up.

You’ve tried on at least ten outfits.

You’ve also gone through the same number of hairdos—some of them so bad they were hair-don’ts! 

You have everything under control—or so you think.  You come downstairs as the time approaches for your date to arrive and you notice your father in the living room sitting on the couch.  He has a blank and distant stare.

“Are you ok?”

He doesn’t answer. 

You walk over and wave your hand in front of his face.  Nothing. 

“Dad, what’s wrong?” 

He seems to be in a comatose state.  He’s breathing, but he’s not there.

You run to the phone and start to dial 9-1-1.  All of a sudden, you hear a soft voice say “Baby…”  He speaks! 

“Dad, what’s wrong?”

You sit next to him and feel his hands are clammy.  You wait for him to answer.

He swallows hard.  “Be home by 11.” 

You sit there…speechless.

What dad is suffering from is Firstdateitis.  This dreaded disease usually develops in all fathers when their baby girl is going out on her first date.  This is the day when dad realizes he no longer has a little girl living with him.  He now lives with a young woman, and due to this shock to his system, Firstdateitis can be devastating.  However, there are some things you can do to help dad through this awful, awful time.

1)      Tell dad that you love him and that you know this is hard on him.

2)      Let dad know how much you respect yourself and that you wouldn’t allow a boy to do anything inappropriate.

3)      Come home on time.  This way he won’t have to replace the carpet leading from the couch to the front door, wearing it out waiting for you to return home.

4)      Before he sees you ready to leave, make sure your clothing isn’t too revealing.

5)      Use makeup to a minimum.  This is probably the most significant trigger for Firstdateitis…second to revealing clothing!

Let’s face it—your dad loves you and wants to make sure his “little girl” is safe.  He’s not trying to cramp your style or ruin your life.  All parents have a different approach, but the one thing they all have in common is worrying. 

Start your teen social life the right way—slowly and with consideration for your parents.  If you understand dad’s concerns, you can both get through Firstdateitis without arguments, living a long and happy life together!