A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Are there any justifiable legal or moral grounds on which your parents can forbid you to date at the age of 19? I mean, if you still live with them but never bring your boyfriend home (so nothing happens under their roof) and you're sensible otherwise, once you're an adult in the eyes of the law can they still veto your decisions? :( Many thanks in advance for any advice given. Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
male
reader, Odds  +, writes (5 April 2011):
 No legal grounds. However, there are practical and possible moral grounds.
For instance, if your parents are paying for your housing, food, school, and so on, dating against their wishes can result in moral or practical dilemmas. If they are willing to cut you off of those things, and you need them, it's a practical limit. If they are unwilling to deprive you of support, it would be immoral to continue to act against their wishes - basically amounting to emotional blackmail.
Put yourself in their shoes - if you were supporting a daughter who you loved and wanted the best for, and were unwilling to cut her off no matter what she did, how would you feel knowing she acted in a way you thought would hurt her despite that support?
Basically, until you are living completely independently, the people supporting you have a lot of say in how you behave and live, in a moral and practical sense. Act accordingly; either support yourself completely or respect their wishes.
A
male
reader, dirtball +, writes (5 April 2011):
 Your parents have the power you give them. Of course, if they are providing you a place to live, they can hold that over your head. Also, if you have religious affiliations they can stress the importance of those as well.
Legally, no, there's no recourse they can take against you unless you have some sort of written agreement with them.
Since you're asking such questions, it's probably best if you started taking control of your own life and move out.
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A
male
reader, Dataluke +, writes (5 April 2011):
 There are no laws that govern dating at any age in Britain, or indeed anywhere as far as I know.So long as you're sensible and don't bring any guys home then you should be fine, if not then remind them that you are an adult and can judge for yourself.All the best, Dataluke
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