DEAR ABBY: I'm a 14-year-old girl who's having a disagreement with my parents about dating. There's this guy, "Connor," who likes me, and I'm very comfortable with him. His older sister and I are good friends.
The trouble is, my parents have strict rules against dating and I think it's unfair. I think I'm mature enough to date, and I know right from wrong. My friends say I'm very mature for my age, and they approve of Connor because he's friendly and has an outgoing personality. I have tried talking to my parents about this, but I always end up in tears.
Can you tell me how I can convince them to give this guy a chance? -- GROWN UP AT 14, PRINCE GEORGE, CANADA
DEAR GROWN UP: A sure way to show your parents you're mature enough to date would be to show them you're a responsible person. Do they know when they ask you a question that they'll get an honest answer with no evasion? Have you shown them that you respect their curfews? Do you do the chores that are expected of you without having to be reminded? Is the same true about your homework?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then do they know Connor? Do they know his parents? If they do, they might feel more comfortable about your seeing him, if it's in a group rather than one-on-one.