It looks like there’s one big way to a woman’s heart: through her mom.
According to an Associated Press-WE TV poll, more than 60 percent of women seek their mother’s approval before starting a serious relationship. These women felt their mother’s approval of their significant other was both “extremely” and “very important,” according to the survey.
“Guys, if you want to get the girl, try bringing flowers — to her mother,” Newser reported. “With Valentine's Day coming up, it's something to think about: Winning over Mom may sound old-fashioned, but it's still a smart strategy in today's fast-changing, app-tapping, hookup-happy world of dating.”
The survey also found 4 in 10 young women would break up with their significant other if their mom didn't approve, with 16 percent of survey participants having done so, according to the survey.
Dads get some credit, too. The survey found 50 percent of women said they feel they’re in a serious relationship if their dad has given an opinion, negative or positive, on their significant other.
But sons don't share the same feelings. About half of 18- to 29-year-old men sought approval from their folks before dating someone, the survey found. And about 40 percent of sons considered their relationships serious when their dads gave an opinion.
According to a study published in the journal Evolution & Human Behavior, parents are often more selective, opinionated and critical of who their child dates because they often think they can do a better job caring for and loving their child than someone else.
I also wrote a story last year about how couples talk to their parents before getting married because parents often have an impact on their child’s romantic relationships in much of the same way the studies above explain. In the article, I mention that parents often pressure their children to get married and start a family, which impacts how soon they tie the knot.
Email: hscribner@deseretdigital.com
Twitter: @herbscribner