Well, as a soon to be convert, you probably know why his parents probably don't want him getting in a steady relationship. Being 18 and presuming that the boy in question is as well, you both have some significant measure of ability, socially perceived and otherwise, to act independent of what his parents may wish. That being said, I think it is worth your considering why his parents feel the way they do. If his parents are members, and you are interested in joining, then ideally, their beliefs and your beliefs are not fundamentally different, so I think that the question of whether or not you are respecting their beliefs could also be restated as a question of whether or not you are respecting your own beliefs, or the beliefs you are considering. To that end, you are aware that young men often serve missions, normally shortly after turning 19. This is not only an expectation, but a responsibility which all worthy and healthy (physically and otherwise) male members have. As such it is a goal of his parents, it should be his goal, and as you are looking to be baptized, it should be your goal as well. This is rather essential. That said, it becomes clear why his parents would discourage him from forming a steady relationship at this point in his life when it is hoped and even expected that he will be undergoing something of a two year disconnect with his current life. (It's my solid recommendation as well.) However, it is not a tenant of the church that males are to avoid steady relationships before their missions. Such relationships are not in and of themselves wrong. There is only a problem when it makes the decision to go on a mission more difficult (and it is easy to see how it could, hence his parents' feelings on the matter). It is therefore important to resolve that, above all, you will not let anything get in the way of his mission. If the relationship becomes an insuperable problem, then it will need to be terminated. ("if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off", Matt. 5:30) However, other measures may suffice. Be clear about your expectation that he serve a mission. Be clear about what will happen to the relationship when the time comes for him to go. Whether you stay together (wait) or whether you head back out into the dating scene, it will be better to have considered it beforehand. He may not want you to wait. (Many don't.) You simply need to be committed to doing the right thing. (this is CTR in application) Of course, if he's talked to his bishop already and there's some health issue preventing him from going, then I can't imagine what his parents are worried about. In that case, clearly much of this doesn't apply.