[Mr. Brightside]

She is seventeen.

I know the boy. I have mentored him in the weight room and with his diet.

My daughter may be interested in him but is pretty shy. She is very confident in her environment... horses, school, etc.

But she is saying she would probably not be interested in going out with him. I would like to see her get out of her shell.

Of course, I was simply thinking of making her get a job. Not a boyfriend.

[RushCrush]

Ahhh, go for the job!

She should have fun now, and worry about boys wayyyy later.

[caryatid]

My daughter may be interested in him but is pretty shy. She is very confident in her environment... horses, school, etc.

Of course, everything would depend on whether or not your daughter has any interest in "dating" this young man; but, if you think she may be interested, all the more reason to engineer some non-dating dates in her environment where she is confident and secure.

The fact that you know, and have a relationship with, the young man makes everything easier. You can talk with him about your daughter being a bit shy ... and, if he has a sincere interest he may jump at the chance to have some casual social encounters with her so that they can get to know each other better.

But, once again, it should all depend on your daughter. At 17 she is not too young. I highly recommend a job, as well. We saw our girls grow up and gain a great deal of self-confidence when they were your daughter's age and had to deal with the public for the first time when they worked during the summer.

And, relax. You will be surprised at how well your daughter has absorbed the values and life lessons you have been teaching her all her life.

[JLS]

Since she is 17 and you have a personal relationship with the young man, I would say to him ask her out if you would like to and think she will say yes. I say this for a number of reasons:

1. She will leave home soon and needs as you say to come out of her shell.

2. You have a relationship with the young man which while not fool proof is the best you will ever do for a date for your daughter. Someone who knows you is less likely to misbehave too badly.

3. You should certainly say yes now if you think she will say no to him. Then in a few years when she wants to date a 35 year old biker, you can say know without seemingly saying know every time a potential date comes up.