If you don’t know how to start a relationship, start just by talking to her. Find common ground, or use the classes or surrounding environment to strike up a conversation. For example, you could say, “That test was hard, wasn’t it? How do you think you did?” just to get the conversation going. [1] X Research source

When you’ve spent a good deal of time together, you can bring up the topic of dating or going out. You could say something like, “I enjoy spending time with you. I think I like you as more than a friend. Would you like to go out with me?”

You could say, “I know most parents are uncomfortable with their kids dating, so I’d really like to talk to your dad about us dating before we go out. What do you think about that?” Alternatively, you could say, “I know your family is fairly conservative, so I’d feel more comfortable asking your dad’s permission for us to date. How do you feel about that?” Of course, it may be that she has brought up the topic of asking her father permission because she knows that’s what he would want. In that case, ask her for tips about how to approach the conversation, since she knows her father much better than you do.

It can help to write out what you want to say, or at least write down enough to figure out your main points. You probably don’t want to take what you wrote with you when you go, but just writing it down can help you work through it. For example, maybe you want to say something like “Hello, Mr. Vail. I wanted to meet with you today to discuss your daughter. I would like to date her. I know that could be a problem for you, but I want you to know that I have nothing but respect for her. I give my word that I will treat her well. "

Make sure to run through your speech several times to make sure you remember what you’re going to say. That way, you’ll be less likely to lose your nerve. Ask a sibling or a parent to go over it with you if you think it will help. One way to seem more confident is to pay attention to your body language. Look him in his eyes, especially when introducing yourself, and make sure you stand up straight. Be sure to smile, and when you shake his hand, do it with strength and confidence. In addition, don’t be afraid to crack a joke or laugh at one he makes.

For example, you could say, “Hello, Mr. Vail. I’m Terry Roberts, and I go to school with your daughter, Jessica. I was wondering if I could meet with you in the next week to discuss my relationship with your daughter. " Letting him know ahead of time what you want to discuss gives him a chance to prepare his mind for the conversation. [6] X Research source Of course, it’s possible that you already know her father. In that case, it’s still polite to call and set up a meeting. When you do, you’ll still state who you are and what you would like. You could say, “Hello, Mr. Vail. It’s your daughter’s friend, Terry Roberts. We go to school together. I was wondering if I could meet with you soon to discuss my relationship with your daughter. " If he agrees to the meeting, set up a time and place. Let him pick it out since you’re asking him a favor. If he asks for more information, you can emphasize that you’d really like to meet with him in person.

Also, make sure everything is ironed, and you’re not missing any buttons or anything.

You could say, “Hello, sir, my name is Terry Roberts. As you know, I go to school with your daughter, Jessica. " Then offer your hand to shake. Of course, if you know him, you don’t need to introduce yourself, but it’s still polite to greet him and offer your hand to shake.

For example, you could compliment his house or his car, such as, “Your house is really amazing. "

For example, you could say, “I asked to meet with you because I would like to date your daughter. Even though I don’t know you, I respect her and you enough to come here and ask your permission first. " If you do know her father, you can leave out the part about not knowing him.

For example, you could say, “Sir, I’d like to date your daughter because I think she’s very smart and funny. I enjoy spending time with her. "

For example, you could say, “I understand that anyone dating your daughter will need to treat her with respect. I promise I will do my best to treat her well and not hurt her. I know she deserves the best from anyone who dates her. "

Listen actively to what he has to say. That means making sure that you hear what he’s saying, and that you’re not just thinking about what you’re going to say next. Also, be sure your body language shows you’re listening. Look him in the eye, and nod along to what he’s saying. You can also summarize what you’re saying to make sure you are hearing his concerns correctly. For example, you could say, “What I hear you saying is you’re not sure if you’re ready for your daughter to date. I completely understand that concern. "

You could say, “I hear what you’re saying. What could I do to make you feel better about me dating your daughter? I would be willing to agree to whatever boundaries you set. For example, maybe we could start with group dating, or we could even go on a date with your supervision. I’m willing to prove to you that I’m worthy of dating your daughter. " Remember what “permission” means. That is, you want to know if your potential girlfriend’s father thinks it’s fine for you to date his daughter. Then, it’s up to him. He can say “yes,” but you’ve also given him a chance to say “no. " If he says “no,” you must accept that response. [15] X Research source