Early in this period during which the sap is rising, you may notice that your father is acting strangely. He will often appear to be approaching a subject, only to veer away in confusion. He will be trying to bring up the subject of sex. You will find that fathers, and occasionally mothers too, show needless embarrassment over this topic. Put them at their ease. An embarrassed father is a poor companion.
Once you identify the first gropings, seize the initiative. Be casual and matter of fact.
"By the way, Dad, thought you might be interested in this bit from Krafft-Ebing."
"Oh?"
(He may look surprised, but go on.)
"I'll help you with the Latin if you like."
Any good text book on the subject will work just as well, providing it is just a trifle over your father's head. Treat the whole thing as a matter of intellectual curiosity. Leers and nudges may be fun but they will not give your parents a healthy attitude.
Keeping your standards high
It may shock you to detect in your own parents a real lack of moral fibre. Though at first you may think that this will have small effect on you, you will be mistaken. Most parental interference is a result of their feeling that you are going to try to do the same things that they did. Make it clear to them very early that your standards are far higher than theirs.
"Pity wasn't it, Father, that in your day morals were, well, a bit on the sketchy side?"
"Well, now, Davie, I—"
"Oh, I don't blame you. You were all swept along on a tide of joie de vivre. It's very understandable historically. Pity though."
(Be sure at all times to adopt a tolerant attitude.)
Once you have established your position securely on a high moral plane, the rest will follow easily.
"Now, Davie, I want you to be in early."
"I'm glad you brought that up, Mother. Try to hint to Marlene that I have to get up early. Doesn't seem graceful, somehow, coming from me."
You may then stay out as late as you like. Be sure to speak firmly to your mother—before she speaks firmly to you.
"Mother, I don't think you made it very clear to Marlene. Not clear at all. Couldn't break away until three."
"I'm sorry, Davie, I tried to—"
"Try to do better next time, won't you?"
Your parents should begin to worry a bit about you.
"Charles, I'm worried about David. He's such a serious boy. Don't you think he should have a little more fun?"
"Well, he hasn't been in before three all week.'*
"I know, but it isn't as though he really wanted to."
Keep your standards high and you will not regret it.
