re: Got the ring, now to talk to the parents

Everyone has their opinions for sure.

I will teach my sons that you need to ask the father's permission. I feel it earns the father's respect. In return, you earn their blessing. If the guy has been respectful and gracious to the daughter, you have already earned his respect I suppose, but there is something about talking man to man about marrying his daughter that make's it special.

Call it old fashion, beta, whatever you want. People who were raised in a certain way have certain customs, I personally like this one.