@39 A. We're talking about cows, so that high horse you're on is pointless. B. She didn't ask for permission, her fiancé did. C. Did you consider they want a pleasant relationship with her parents? One which eloping would not create? There is nothing wrong with tradition, it is not sexist at all. D. Haven't you ever heard of a joke? It is a form of humor, most people have a sense for it. And although they may not all have the same sense of humor, most can recognize when it is occurring, regardless of taste.

#59 A. That saying is not literally about cows. It's a disgusting, misogynistic metaphor. But I'm willing to bet you already know that, you're just being a smartass. B. By "you", I meant a collective "you". As in, regardless of who the one asking is, OP and her fiance should not need permission. C. Just because you don't go straight to the parent and ask for permission, it does not automatically mean you are eloping. Marriage is about the people getting married, it is their decision, and as long as they are both of age, they do not need permission. It absolutely IS sexist in origin, as are a lot of "traditions", it's just so ingrained in society by now that a lot of people think nothing of it. D. Yes, I have heard of a joke. And this may have been a joke, or maybe OP's father really is just an ass. I will conceded that I don't know the spirit in which the comment was intended, but unless you were there, neither do you. And joke or not, OP was obviously upset by it.