Listen to father or heart?

Dear Distressed,

There is nothing wrong with considering the feelings and opinions of those you respect, like your parents; However, there also comes a time when your parents expectation may prove unreasonable. In this case, I think that they are a bit unreasonable. You are still underage; and the girls you are dating are younger by no more than three years. Couples who are three, sometimes four, years apart are within the socially acceptable range. In adulthood, I know some couples who are seven, or more years, apart. It makes no difference there when you have two consenting adults. In adolescence, the age range should be just about what yours have been with the girls you date. Just be careful that you do not date minors when you turn 18. Then it becomes a situation of an adult dating a child; and that is illegal because it is not consensual of both parts {that is a minor cannot legally consent to a relationship with an adult; and if it becomes sexual, that is called statutory rape}. As for now, have you tried discussing your feelings with your father? Explain to him that you get along with these girls and vice versa; and that all of you are teenagers. Also, it may help to see how the parents of the girls feel about your age. If they don't overly disapprove, you can mention this to your father as well. If all else fails, you have to trust your own instincts, as long as you are not breaking the law and the girls are not being hurt in any way {emotionally or physically} Good luck to you.