DEAR ABBY: I am planning to propose to my girlfriend of five years. Do I need to ask her father's permission? And when is the appropriate time to do so? -- JACK IN LONG BEACH, CALIF.
DEAR JACK: Asking the girl's father for permission to marry her is a charming but somewhat outdated custom.
First, ask your girlfriend -- and then the two of you should approach her parents with the happy news.