<p>" very good way to scare a young man away" 
Why wait for a few dates?</p>
<p>My father, well over 6 feet tall, met my first time dates at the front door standing several steps above them. Then ushered them into his study, furnished with gun cabinet and hunting trophies, while they waited for to me finish preparations and come downstairs. One young man, when we got in his car, blurted out, “I had heard how scary your Dad is, but it is really true”</p>
<p>Usually, by the third or so date, they got greeted by my mom and waited in the kitchen. Getting to come for dinner was a privilege ;)</p>