10 Things Your Parents Should (and Shouldn't) Know About Your Dating Life

3. What type of people you're attracted to

You don't have to get into nitty gritty details but blind dates and introductions to the children of co-workers, or the new intern in their office are a lot less awkward when the parental units are clued into what you like.

4. Whether or not you're honestly looking to settle down

I was on the phone with my dad recently when out of nowhere he asked when I was going to have a baby. I suppose that at my age this is a fair question, but it caught me off guard nonetheless because I have absolutely no intent on bringing a kid into this world and I thought everyone knew that. Apparently, I forgot to inform my parents.

5. If there's something about your significant other that may come as a surprise to them

Don't just show up at Thanksgiving or your family reunion with someone who's going to cause a WTF moment in your familial universe. This will vary based on your parents, but common causes of shock are radical age differences, someone of a different race or someone of the same sex.

5 things your parents shouldn't know about your dating life:

1. How many times you've done "the walk of shame"

One night stands aren't something that should be discussed with your parents. Ever.

2. About your Katy Perry song lyric moments

Okay so you kissed a girl (or a guy) and you liked it. Unless you're looking to make a lifestyle change that may make it impossible for you to get married in certain states you can keep those facts to yourself.

3. The exact reasons why you're dating someone

I think we're all guilty of dating someone for a shallow reason and then having it blow up in our face. Moms and Dads are masters at making "I told you so" sound extra smug, don't give them the satisfaction by sharing those times with them when you're dating someone for all the wrong reasons.

4. How many nights a week you're out

In your parents eyes there's no ratio that's going to make them happy. If you're out on a date every night they're going to get antsy about why you're not settling down. And if you're not going out at all or what they consider enough they're going to think you're antisocial.

5. When your dating life enters a morally grey zone

Save the stories about dating your boss or sleeping with someone married for your best friend, this isn't the life that your parents want for you and so they'll likely never approve of any actions that are ethically questionable. Save yourself the lecture (because no matter how old you are, your parents still feel as if it's their right to lecture) and take them out for lattés instead.

--Written by Tiffany Brown for HowAboutWeWould you share any details about your dating life with your parents? What do you think is off-limits?

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