Originally Posted by
Mick-Boy
Then plan on him wanting you to outline the "hows" and "whys". If he's a pragmatic man, expect more emphasis on the how.
Like I said, my girl's pops is a Brigadier General. I didn't approach him like it was a pissing contest. But I didn't come into it with my head bowed and my hand out either. That whole thing about "knowing your audience" was in effect. The man is a respected professional so I was respectful. He's a very successful soldier so I couldn't appear weak (what soldier, in the history of ever, would let his daughter marry someone that he didn't believe was capable of protecting and providing?). In the end I approached it just like I was briefing him on an op. I told him why I was there, outlined why I wanted to marry his daughter and how I was going to make it happen then asked his permission/blessing to go forward. No issues.
With her mom I spent a lot more time talking about the abstract. How I knew she was the right one. Why we're good together. etc. Again, know your audience. Her mom was a lot more interested in the "why" than the "how" if that makes sense.