The bane of the giggling teenager is an overprotective dad. It’s a good thing if the dad’s like that dad in Ten Things I Hate About You rather than crazed war Vet that thinks of napalm and guys-who-want-to-date-his-daughter mixes quite well. Oh yes, another one for you younger girls out there.

So you want to go out for a date but you’re still in highschool and the parents say NO even when they’re in a good mood. What’s the deal?

Fact is, parents can be so protective these days. They always think you’re too young to date. Given this situation, how is a girl supposed to spend some quality time with the cute guy next door? Or next block? Here are some helpful things you can do to get your chances up.

What does NO mean? Ask your parents what part of a date they are against. Most parents won’t have you alone with a boy, no matter how much you convince them that this guy is “harmless”. If this is the case, you can compromise to include some of your best friends when spending your day with your crush. This way, your parents will feel better knowing you are around your usual friends even when your crush is hanging out with you, too. You can even invite your friends over to your place and introduce your new friend aka your crush so your parents won’t immediately dislike him. (That might happen if you introduce him as your “future boyfriend”). So go with the ‘friend’ first.

Know when to take things to the next level. When you have established this friendship and it’s clear to your parents that this guy is indeed a friend, then maybe you can try your luck and ask your parents if you can hang out with him after school. If they just gave you an hour, then take it. It’s better than trying to sneak out just for a date. Dating is fun when you can stroll the streets without the fear of being caught. Today an hour, next week an hour and a half! Hey, you still have homework to do after all!

If your parents are still unmoved by your willingness to compromise, you can still get to spend some time with your crush. He is, after all your friend. You can always hang out with him in school or during study groups, and on school dances & of course on the day of the prom!

Your parents have a good reason to refuse you a love life at a young age but they come around when you go off to college. They let go magically. And when they do, your wait will be worth it because there are way cuter guys in college.