The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

COURTING PRACTICES

TO GO STEADY, THE GIRL MUST HAVE THE PARENTS O.K. THE BOY ASKS THE
FATHER'S PERMISSION. THE BOY CANNOT COME INTO THE GIRL'S HOUSE.
THIS IS OUT OF RESPECT FOR THE GIRL AS A PART OF HER FAMILY. THEY
USUALLY SET A SPECIFIC TIME TO MEET, AND THE BOY WILL WAIT ON THE
CORNER UNTIL THE GIRL COMES OUT ON THE STEP OF HER HOUSE. THEY
WILL STAND THERE AND TALK FROM ONE TO TWO HOURS, IF ONE OF THE
OLDER BROTHERS OR ANY OTHER RELATIVE SHOULD COME ALONG THE BOY MUST
LEAVE UNTIL THEY ARE FINISHED SPEAKING WITH THE GIRL. AGAIN THIS
IS BECAUSE SHE IS A PART OF HER FAMILY AND THE BOY MUST RESPECT
THIS.

Where learned: WESTERN YMCA

Date learned: 11-11-1971