It’s so important to talk with your teen about relating to the opposite sex. I actually put my advice to my son in writing. I wrote: “You’re beginning to make a lot of girl friends. That’s good, but there are ground rules that apply to girls that don’t necessarily apply to boys. Call it Girl Etiquette: 1. Be yourself and don’t create an alter ego. 2. Always be respectful. 3. Always be complimentary. 4. Do not tease a girl or make fun of her in any way; of course, the same applies to your guy friends. 5. Don’t Touch. Unfortunately in today’s society, touching is taboo. Love, Dad”

My daughter is getting ready to start dating. I need to hear stories from other parents so I don't go crazy!

Here's something that'll cheer you up. My 14-year-old daughter recently started dating. For some reason, her 15-year-old boyfriend is intimidated and seems to be downright scared of my wife, which we all find hilarious. She is a very gentle soul, but she is also the disciplinarian of the house, because I spend a fair amount of time traveling for work. We talked about it, and decided that we’ll just let him feel that way for a while ... there may come a time when it works to our advantage!

I know this probably makes me a bad father but I had a much more difficult time when my daughter started dating than when my sons did. As a man you tend to be much more protective of your girls. I know I was rude to some of the boys she brought home for no reason other than they were dating my daughter.

Before a boy would come over to pick up my daughter for a date, she would say, “Please Daddy, do not give him the look.” But you have to check them out; it’s your duty as a father. Pay close attention to how they act when they arrive. I always looked them in the eyes and shook their hands, and I always figured that if they’d look me in the eyes they were all right. And if they wouldn’t come to the door, she wasn’t going back out the door with them.

Hi: How does one casually broach this subject? And what are the basic things that need to be covered? I don't to give too much away. Just enough!