Courtesy of Black Enterprise
What if all men had to obtain marriage approval from a girlfriend’s father by providing their credit reports, bank statements and medical records? Would men approach life and marriage preparation a little bit differently? These are questions Steve faced as a reality when asked for these very items by his girlfriend’s father. What started off as a nervous meeting to request a father’s approval for his daughter’s hand in marriage, ended up being a more in-depth process for earning this approval.
“Wow!” was the first thing that came to Steve’s mind when asked of his response to the father’s request. “I didn’t know whether to be upset or appreciative,” Steve also added with a laugh. Fortunately, Steve was able to provide credit reports with scores of 708, 723 and 740. He was also able to show decent savings and a clean bill of health in the records given to the father. However, what if he wasn’t so fortunate? He might have lost out on the ability to receive the father’s support and approval to marry his daughter.
Many of you may believe the father’s request was too extreme and a bit too superficial. However, it actually made me reflect on a father’s role in ensuring his daughter is taken care of when handed-off to her husband. Consider this, as a father you have provided and protected your daughter for 18+ years so she can experience the best that life has to offer. Why would you extend your marriage approval to someone who hasn’t confirmed his ability to provide, support, protect & care for your daughter? Shouldn’t this be the concern of every father who has worked hard to create a positive life for his daughter? I totally understand the intent behind the request despite not necessarily agreeing with the method.
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