What is the appropriate age for a first date?

What is a "date"?

In my eyes a "date" is when I allow a boy to take my daughter in a car away from my house alone.

My poor daughter. Not only is she the oldest and female but, I also happen to be VERY protective.

I have always told her she was not allowed to date until she was 16. I have allowed her to go out in group settings with boys and girls but, never alone with a boy.  As the magical  #16 has come and gone I decided to re-write the dating rule and take one day at a time.

A week before Valentines Day BB had already started prepping me that her grades are good right now and she wants me to make an exception so she can go out with her boyfriend for Valentines Day. I decided to allow her to do this for several reasons. First, I have met this boy several times now because they have been spending time together for several months now. I was under the impression he understood my personality a little better than he actually did. Second, I have met his parents and was super impressed. He comes from a great family that also has rules!

The day before one of the hardest days of my life BB tells me the location of the  "date" is a surprise! She can't tell me where they are going because she doesn't know. I tell her to have him call me because I am not okay with being part of the surprise.

He texts me which I am okay with. Any communication is better than none. However, if you speak to me my tone never lies and there is never any confusion with me. He proceeds to tell me the secret location is at a pond behind his house for a picnic and fishing.

WHOA!! Back up Batman! No one is taking MY daughter to a forest,  in the dark , under the stars, To"Fish"!

We had a small exchange of what my idea of a first date was. He quickly agreed that a public setting would be better for everyone involved. I offered to pay for dinner and suggested that he stop for a small bouquet of flowers just this once and offered to pay for those as well.

The next day an hour before pick up time:

BB tells me her boyfriend wants to know if I am going to be okay if he doesn't bring flowers.

WOW! I am speechless.

What do you say to that?? He told her?! He obviously did not understand how much I was helping HIM out. I could not stop yelling and my husband could not stop laughing. Long story short, the date never happened.  Now I have to prep myself for this magical day all over again.

If you want to stay on my good side please read the following tips closely. I will be very direct so there is no gray area.

1. You are not allowed to touch my daughter. EVER.

2. If you have male body parts you will never be allowed to take my daughter ALONE...to a forest...in the DARK...with my knowledge. Period.

3. When I suggest you bring flowers and offer to pay. Do not tell her. JUST DO IT. She WILL remember the first boy who does. I am trying to help you out and save you from embarrasment. If you show up empty handed you will be sent away from my door and to the store.