Dating rules and morals

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momma3girls

Guest
#1
I have a grown daughter living at home. She has met a man who is 7 yrs older, who is in the waiting period for his divorce to become final. More than 6 months left in that waiting period. His wife left him for another woman. He has two kids. My daughter has never been married. I feel like this relationship is wrong, but am reminded by people that she is old enough to make her own decisions. What can I do? I believe it is immoral. I need advice. My husband seems to want to live in the gray area of this. I need advice.
 
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nimbus3852

Guest
#2
Your home, your rules.

Note that if she is unhappy with your rules she might move in with him, which is counter to what you might want.
 
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ww_21

Guest
#3
In my opinion - she is an adult so she should be allowed to make her own decisions regardless of where she resides she needs to feel as if her decisions, thoughts, feelings and opinions are being respected by everyone around her. I know you are concerned about her being with this man because he was married before and has children however this is her lesson to learn. Who knows things may work out for them if not she would have gained a valuable lesson. All you can do is pray for her so that God Almighty keeps her on the right path and opens her eyes to what is righteous. The age difference is honestly something I would not worry too much about simply because most women tend to go for a man who is a few years older than that due to maturity levels etc. My own sister is happily married to someone who is 10 years older than she is. I know as a parent you are concerned for her, but please remember to allow her to make her own mistakes it's the only way she will be able to successfully navigate life on her own later down the road.
 
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momma3girls

Guest
#4
Yes, I know this. But when your husband lives in the gray area of this matter, and I live in the black and white...it seems like I cannot enforce anything. He says she cannot afford to move out and pay rent. She is 22, does work, has a car payment and insurance and a cell phone that she pays for her part on our plan...other than that, no room and board here. My husband says if we push her too much, she could move in with him. She says that isn't an option. I don't know what my options are... I am not trying to live her life for her, and still make decisions for her, but this just seems out of the realm of what she has always been taught biblically. He has 2 children that he shares custody with, but has the main responsibility of the children. I don't think she will ever be the number one priority in his life.
 
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1still_waters

Guest
#5
I have a grown daughter living at home. She has met a man who is 7 yrs older, who is in the waiting period for his divorce to become final. More than 6 months left in that waiting period. His wife left him for another woman. He has two kids. My daughter has never been married. I feel like this relationship is wrong, but am reminded by people that she is old enough to make her own decisions. What can I do? I believe it is immoral. I need advice. My husband seems to want to live in the gray area of this. I need advice.
As someone said, your house, your rules.
But...kicking her to the curb probably isn't an option for you emotionally.
It may not be worth disturbing your present level of peace and relationship, just to prove a point by kicking her out.

I know it probably rips your heart to shreds to see your daughter, whom you invested all of that time, sweat, and tears into, going in such a wrong direction.

Sometimes it's our job to let go in our mind, but to keep our hands on them in our heart as we pray for them, and remain a refuge for them, if/when they come to their senses.
 
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momma3girls

Guest
#6
But biblically, isn't it immoral for her to be dating someone whose divorce isn't finalized yet? I am not an extreme fundy, but this all just seems wrong to me.
 
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1still_waters

Guest
#7
But biblically, isn't it immoral for her to be dating someone whose divorce isn't finalized yet? I am not an extreme fundy, but this all just seems wrong to me.
Yes it is immoral.
 
May 3, 2013
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#8
I have a grown daughter living at home. She has met a man who is 7 yrs older, who is in the waiting period for his divorce to become final. More than 6 months left in that waiting period. His wife left him for another woman. He has two kids. My daughter has never been married. I feel like this relationship is wrong, but am reminded by people that she is old enough to make her own decisions. What can I do? I believe it is immoral. I need advice. My husband seems to want to live in the gray area of this. I need advice.
What' s you real concern, the man"s age? If he were 20 or more years older, I will be with you.

If your mom-concern is that she would be marrying a DIVORCED man, you are right on considering he could have something "faulty" that need some clarification: Was his wife sexually "unhappy", that she needed to experience it with another woman? Additionally, has your daughter checked HE is in that process to be divorced? It is easy to LIE to get some emotional or physical relief...

He has two kids. Is he interesting in HAVING ONE more, from your daughter? Those love bonds could be stronger if BOTH agree in having their children, at least one, if BOTH are able to keep them in consensus, if both have the money to keep those children together: Money is needed to raise children and, on that case, your daughter could be working and giving money another children who are not hers.

She is old enough... But a hand like your could help her see some hidden thing in the furure of a relationship. Besides, you cannot see what they have done or agreed being away from you. Just talk to her.

Your are a loving mother *I guess*.
 
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nimbus3852

Guest
#9
Biblically, the OP is committing adultery as well.

Not really a good position to be pointing fingers from.
 
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momma3girls

Guest
#10
I am not worried about this guy's age. Her older sister married someone older, but he wasn't ever married and no kids. It is more like the combo of older, divorcing, two children and the biblical background we have been taught over the years. I know I have to find some way to accept all this and let her make mistakes that she will learn from, I am just so confused that this is what she is choosing.... I try to remember that she doesn't have a ring on her finger, and no proposal has been made. They are dating and spending a lot of time together... but I am worried this will all lead to marriage. I have invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears into all my children's lives. I still know that they need to make decisions on their own. Just never thought she would make decisions like this....
 
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nimbus3852

Guest
#11
Look into the future five years. Will she be happy? Why?
 
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momma3girls

Guest
#12
I don't know if she will be happy. If she would marry him, I feel like she would be burdened emotionally and financially. They would not have the luxury of having time to do the things young couples without children would do in their first years of marriage. She would return from a short honeymoon because of the children and jump into a mom role. She didn't finish her last year in college because we couldn't afford it. I feel she won't finish that degree if she gets married and will regret it. I feel like she would not have as many children as she might have if she married some one else. She might start out happy, but in the end not be happy.
 
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nimbus3852

Guest
#13
From a high level view, college is the new high school. It does not effect income as much as one would think.

So the honeymoon period would be truncated, bringing the full responsibilities of being a mother at a sooner time.

You want her to have a lot of children? Or does she have this desire?
 

just_monicat

Senior Member
Jan 1, 2014
1,284
17
0
#14
You sound like a loving mom who is cares very much about the lives of her children and I commend you for that. These are never simple situations, but here is my read on your situation:

It sounds like you have more than one problem.

1) You have what you believe to be legitimate concerns about your daughter. You would like for her a better scenario than what this man will offer, and you don't believe he will make her a priority, and I get that. But I think the best thing you can do is pray for your daughter and this relationship, pray for this man, and pray for God's wisdom for yourself and them. I actually think you could have far greater influence on your daughter as long as she lives with you, by loving her, praying for her, and showing her unconditional love and allowing God to work through your relationship with her and the example you set for her. If this is really as simple as you not approving of the choice of man she is interested in (and not her behavior in your house) I think this is one of those horrible things that parents have to go through while they allow their adult children to make decisions that they feel are wrong.

2. Also, it appears your husband has already decided how he wants to handle it. I personally think the worst thing you could do is to openly fight against her father (or your husband) because you disagree with him or to quietly subvert his leadership. Perhaps this is a great opportunity provide your adult daughter an example of what Christ calls for us to do as wives. If your husband is against providing resistance to your daughter, I would also spend more time trying to understand why he feels this way, as well. I honestly believe God can do more through you as an example of a Christian wife, your relationship with your daughter, and prayer.

Ultimately, if it is your goal to prevent her from choosing him, I believe that no amount of your attempting to convince/coerce/punitively effect her decision to pursue a relationship with him is going to work out for either of you. Are you prepared to have your relationship with her destroyed if she chooses to continue this relationship? This is only going to backfire on you, and perhaps (as your husband said) push her faster/farther into his arms. Instead, I would draw her close and love her and spend time with her, try to learn why she is interested in him, and allow her to seek your advice rather than you attempting to convince her and force her to do what you believe is right.

Most importantly, pray for her. You can't prevent your daughter from making bad choices.

Finally, did I already mention prayer? We simply cannot underestimate the power of prayer, and how God can work through us when we don't get in His way.

p.s. My mother went to great efforts to force my grown sister (23) not to move and marry her current husband. She's happily married and has 3 kids now with this man, and he's been a good husband to her. I'm not saying the situation is identical, but it destroyed their relationship for a couple years, and it still isn't "good". Oh, and because she made it unbearable to live at home, she ended up moving away much earlier than she probably would have, had my mom not issued ultimatums and the like. I'm not saying it's the same situation, but it all came from my mom believing that my sister should be with a "better man".
 
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jb800m

Guest
#15
I figure that when your kids are old enough they are more like friends then your children.. i remember i was dating someone i wasnt matched with for what ever reason my mom was forceful with her disapproval and of course i rejected that , i did come to the conclusion later but really the damange was done we are really not ever having the same relationship... I would suggest that you first pray to ask God what to say and say it in a way that let her know you support her in any road she will travel because it is your daughter's choice not yours... it is a hard place to be and i was on the other side of it prayers are with you
 
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ww_21

Guest
#16
Father in heaven,

Today I come before you to ask you to please bless the young woman who is currently the topic of our discussion. Lord you alone know what is in her future. You alone know what is right and what is wrong. You know what will make her happy so father I ask that you please keep her on the path you intended for her. Please remove all evil from in and around her. If it is your will that she be with this man Lord then so be it, if it is not then please help her to accept this and reveal your plans for her to her so that she may take comfort in them. Lord you alone know what is in her heart, you aloe know her desires, her wishes and the entire story so I ask that you please take the lead and let your will be done. I ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
 

just_monicat

Senior Member
Jan 1, 2014
1,284
17
0
#17
I don't know if she will be happy. If she would marry him, I feel like she would be burdened emotionally and financially. They would not have the luxury of having time to do the things young couples without children would do in their first years of marriage. She would return from a short honeymoon because of the children and jump into a mom role. She didn't finish her last year in college because we couldn't afford it. I feel she won't finish that degree if she gets married and will regret it. I feel like she would not have as many children as she might have if she married some one else. She might start out happy, but in the end not be happy.
You know, these are all really good considerations for her to weigh. Unfortunately, you cannot force her to want or choose that for herself what you perceive is her very best. These are all things that should be considered, but really only she can decide for herself what is important to her.

Think of it this way. Do I have a right to be angry at my friend because he won't stop smoking and potentially curtail his longevity or quality of life? Do I have a right to be angry at my boyfriend because he won't exercise with me or get as much exercise as what I think he should have to be healthy, or eat as healthy as I would like him to because he has a family history of cardiac problems? Do I have a right to be angry at my dad because he won't take the supplements that I sent him because I believe he would be much better off if he took them?

If you ask me, I have no right to be angry or demand that they do those things. Of course I am disappointed, even hurt sometimes. But I believe they have the right to not agree with me, or live their lives in the way they see fit, and ultimately they will have to suffer the consequences that may exist because of those choices. Is it fair? No way. But it's more fair than me being angry at them or feeling as though I should demand they live their lives the way I have chosen or been convicted to do so.
Your original post said that you believed their relationship was immoral. What if your daughter doesn't believe that? Is it more important that she live her life according to your morals versus hers? If she was a child, I would say yes. But at this point, your options are few, and all of them will probably damage or threaten your relationship with her, which at this point, is your primary means of influence with her.

I am praying for you, your daughter and family. : )
 
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momma3girls

Guest
#18
Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts and opinions. It is a hard thing for me. I do need God to carry me through this and lead me in the right things to say. I have said many things the wrong way and some things the right way. I will be weighing all this in my heart and mind, and mostly seeking God more on the matter. I think I wanted people to be on my side and give me ammo to fight this, but I can see what other perspectives people have, and it has helped me. And it has turned me back to seeking God more.
 

Lucy68

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
2,538
22
0
#19
I am not worried about this guy's age. Her older sister married someone older, but he wasn't ever married and no kids. It is more like the combo of older, divorcing, two children and the biblical background we have been taught over the years. I know I have to find some way to accept all this and let her make mistakes that she will learn from, I am just so confused that this is what she is choosing.... I try to remember that she doesn't have a ring on her finger, and no proposal has been made. They are dating and spending a lot of time together... but I am worried this will all lead to marriage. I have invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears into all my children's lives. I still know that they need to make decisions on their own. Just never thought she would make decisions like this....

It's a hard thing to have to deal with. Probably many of us parents have been disappointed in our children's choices. We tried to bring them up with godly character and good morals but the pull of the world seems to be stronger than a heart that seeks God. If it's any consolation, you are not alone.

If she already knows how you feel about it and why (because of biblical teachings) then there really isn't much you can do. At least she hasn't already moved in with him. That may be out of respect for her parents and their Christian beliefs. There's worse things she could be involved in. That doesn't mean showing approval...but at some point parents have to let them go and let them learn "life lessons". Sure, we can give them advice and warnings but we need to be careful not to try to nag their conscience into obedience. This may drive them away and it will be hard to repair the relationship later when they've matured and learned things the hard way. Free will is given to all and we have to respect that.

We let our daughter live us until she was working and going to school. We help her some financially until she finishes college but we've let her know that after that she's on her own. This may sound heartless but this is what she needs to learn self-responsibility. We would never let her go have severe problems but we do not tell her that or she'll just abandon any attempt for self-reliance. She visits her boyfriend overnight many times and lies to us about many things. We know not to trust her in anything she says. But we still love her and makes sure she knows that. We also are trying to accept her boyfriend. There's a lot we aren't happy about concerning him, but in some ways he has been a good influence on her. We have already seen maturing and eye-opening examples for her....usually through learning things the hard way.

Yes, this has been a disappointment but I wonder if God isn't sometimes severely disappointed in me? This is where we can learn what unconditional love really looks like. It's hard but as we grow close to Christ, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us how we can love our children and still encourage them to be moral and responsible people...and seek God without nagging them or guilting them into it.

If this is the man she has chosen to be married to eventually, it may help future relationships if you aren't too hard on him now. We are all works in progress and your Christian influence in his life may reflect back into your own daughter's life ...as well as his children's and their future children.

May the Holy Spirit lead you and give you wisdom and discernment. Encourage them to go to church together and take his children. It would be such a blessing to have their relationship grow under Christ's direction if they are determined to be together :).
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#20
This is one of those situations that we all dread. My daughter was dating a guy that was older than her by about the same measure. He was divorced from one gal and never married another but had three kids between the two of them.

I advised my daughter that the guy had commitment issues and would treat her the same as he treated the other women. She of course argued that it would be different. Only option was prayer. He left and went back to one of his former loves and my daughter was heartbroken for a few weeks.

The reins of the heart are in Gods hands and only He can turn them whithersoever He chooses. My pastor was often heard to say that there are some chapters in your child's life that only God can write. I find that to be a sobering reality in dealing with children who are adults.

On the flip side when your parents get older they are just a much fun to deal with.

For the cause of Christ
Roger