We asked our dads for dating advice

Dads are notoriously protective of their little girls, so it is unsurprising that most of us choose to not discuss our romances or fuckboy experiences with them. But, our dads were once young men similar to those who confuse us so much now, so maybe they can help us out with some supportive fatherly wisdom? Maybe not. We still asked.

Cathy, 19, Nottingham, and Richard, 50

How long should I wait before I have sex with a guy?
“It depends on how seriously they are taking you.”

How long should I wait to text a guy back?
“Not long, boys aren’t patient.”

Are dating apps a good idea?
“Better to meet a person at some sort of social event, not clubbing though.”

What did you honestly think of my ex?
“Nice but a bit dull. I would’ve liked him to be more up for doing things and he seemed to be ill all the time. Better to have a guy who’s a bit more dangerous, he was the other end of the spectrum.”

Sophie, 21, and Barry, 44

How long should I wait before I have sex with a guy?
“Ah forever, well at least wait until I’m gone off this earth so I can’t kill him.”

How long should I wait to text a guy back?
“Hm maybe about a year, then if he finds someone else he was never interested in ya, hun.”

Are dating apps a good idea?
“Of course not, well unless you find a millionaire on them then under the right circumstances maybe.”

What did you honestly think of my ex?
“Well to be honest love, he was more interested in your brother than you.”

Lauren, 21, Northumbria and Graeme, 49

How long should I wait to have sex with a guy?
“Well I could never tell you about this sort of thing but you’ve always been a good judge of character. You’d never make a wrong decision with that or boys who only wanted one thing.”

How long should I wait to text a guy back?
“I don’t understand how these things work – you’re never off your phone! I don’t think you should play games and try to guess that sort of thing though, just talk to someone and be open.”

Are dating apps a good idea?
“Don’t use dating apps. You’re too young and beautiful to worry about that stuff.”

What did you honestly think of my ex?
“We saw how happy you two were so it would be good if he stayed in touch. I think that helped you grow up a lot.”

Rachel, 18, UCL, and Chris, 48

 

How long should I wait to have sex with a guy?
“Until you want to have sex with him.”

How long should I wait to text a guy back?
“If you like him, don’t.”

Are dating apps a good idea?
“They have their use, having an interest and meeting someone with a mutual interest is better though.”

What did you honestly think of my ex?
“If he made you happy whilst you were together, he’s OK in my book.”

Lexi, 19, Southampton, and Rob

How long should I wait to have sex with a guy?
“Until you feel safe with that person. Probably a year.”

How long should I wait to text a guy back?
“Text him back after 10 minutes or so at the start.”

Are dating apps a good idea?
“No.”

What did you honestly think of my ex?
“You’ve never had one but I wouldn’t like him that’s for sure.”