weigh in on dad's friend/teen drama at family gathering

[Anonymous]

Ugh, op. I'm sorry. They sound awful. You think they'd rather have her out of the house and with you this summer in that case. What did you say after she left the room?

[Anonymous]

OP, is there any way you can have her spend the summer with you after all?

If money is an issue, I will help buy her plane ticket!

[Anonymous]

So sorry, OP. I'm glad she's got you in her life. Even if they won't let her stay with you this summer, she won't forget how you stuck up for her.

[Anonymous]

OP, you sound like a great aunt! If it helps your niece at all, I am super impressed that she had the confidence and presence of mind to make her response. When I was 16 I didnt date and if someone had said that to me, I would have turned bright red, said nothing and gone off and cried for hours. I dont think her reply was disrespectful at all. Maybe a super strict Miss manners would suggest, “I beg your pardon?” instead but I still think your niece was entirely appropriate.

Also, I asked three dads of 15 and 16 year old girls —all very mellow, easy going guys— and to a one they all found the friend’s question disgusting and would have confronted him.