Barney Fife's Advice for Dating

Remember my cheek-biting decision to let Nana go flying with the new guy in town, Pilot Boy?
Well, as it turns out, I never had to say "No." It didn't last that long. Excuse me while I do the happy dance. {happy dance happy dance!!}
Turns out, he wasn't as neat as Nana thought he was...I picked up on it, but just took a back seat and let her figure it out on her own. Now, don't get me wrong-- I didn't just keep my mouth shut--my oldest kids (now adults) will tell you I didn't do that with them and I certainly haven't changed my ways with the next bunch comin' down the line.
You know how you can tell if your child really likes someone or not? Well, it was obvious that while she enjoyed the activites she and Pilot Boy and all their friends were doing together--she wasn't all that excited about him.
So I asked her about it. "So, how's it going with [Pilot Boy]?"
"He's ok. He's funny."
"That's good. Hmmm. You don't really like him, do you? "
"Yeah, I do. He's nice. He's funny. He's freaky-smart."
"Hmm. Well I'm glad you're having fun."
"Oh yeah, that's all this is...I'm not, like, gonna marry him Mom. NO way."

To which I inwardly *exhale*.

We talked about their dates and how that was going nearly everyday. The longer they got to know each other, the more they both realized it wasn't going in the direction they were comfortable with...he was looking for a long-term relationship which translates into a physical relationship...while she just wanted to have fun thru the summer before heading off to Utah for school in the Fall. I sorta skimmed over the physical thing, but I'm gonna back-up and say this--she wants to be married in the Temple, so with that goal comes the law of Chastity.
I'm not sure why he uses his faith to describe himself..."I'm a devout Catholic."...I'm pretty sure Catholics do not have a free pass on chastity. (Amy wanna jump in here?) But he said outright that if she wasn't interested in a physical relationship, then he was not interested in dating her. What a jerk. And a crummy Catholic. ( Amy, can I give him your number so you can tell him what's up??)
So let me just say, I was more than okay with her choice to cut him loose.

This is what I don't understand. He told her he wanted more, She said "no thanks" and happily went on her way, telling him she didn't want to date, hang-out, or talk to him. He continues to TEXT her every morning and evening...WHY??
She actually texted him back and said, "I'm not interested."


How do I know all of this, you ask? Because I have developed the talent for listening to my teens. And let me say this--it takes years of brain-crunching, tongue-biting, and the ability to look absolutely interested in what they are saying--even when you could care less and are mentally making out your grocery list sometimes--to be always available to your teens when they want to talk--because because because somewhere in the middle of it all, they say something important...they sorta slide important stuff in between all the other stuff...kinda like the center of a tootsie roll...how many licks does it take to get to the center??? Are you following me?

And each kid communicates differently, tho their problems/challenges/habits/concerns may be quite the same...but you have to listen long enough to figure them out.

So they talk, I listen. And you better believe that when I "see" a red flag, I am not passive. I let my teens know how I feel and caution them to be careful. At first all I get is the rolled-eyes and exasperation...then, ah-ha! there it is...the "you were right, Mom." And let me say, David Scott has said on a few occasions, "You were right and I didn't want you to be."
Hey, it's my job. 24/7. I'm like Barney Fife in Mayberry. Gotta nip that stuff in the bud. Nip it. Right. In. the. Bud.
What's the BEST Dating Advice you ever got or Gave?