How to Meet Your Girlfriend's Parents

You're probably anxious about meeting your girlfriend's parents, but if things go well, this can be a great step for your relationship. If you impress her parents, you'll gain their trust and earn points with your girlfriend.

Things You'll Need

• Small gift

Instructions

1. Learn about her parents. Find out if they are conservative, sticklers regarding etiquette and politeness, old-fashioned, laid back, easily offended or boring. Ask your girlfriend if they might be particularly annoyed by any of your habits or if you should modify your behavior in any way. For example, if you're a smoker but know that her parents hate smoking, you'll want to avoid lighting up in front of them.

2. Pick a neutral meeting place. If it's your decision, choose to meet them on neutral territory. Unless your home is immaculately clean and impressive, avoid meeting there. Going to their place can be intimidating as well, so plan to meet at a comfortable restaurant or other public place.

3. Dress appropriately. There's no need to rent a tux, but don't show up wearing a shirt with dirty college humor or ratty weekend clothes. Try to dress maturely and look neat and groomed, but not self-absorbed and prissy.

4. Be assertive and act interested. Shake their hands, make eye contact, smile and talk often. Ask them questions about their hobbies, their jobs or other things they might mention.

5. Refer to them as Mr. or Mrs. unless they tell you otherwise, always address them as you would a superior at the office or at school.

6. Avoid touchy subjects. Sex, politics, religion and drugs are all bad topics to discuss. If they bring it up, be vague and subtly change the subject.

7. Act natural and be yourself. Chances are, you are an okay guy; otherwise their daughter wouldn't be so into you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do meet at her parent's place, bring a small hostess gift such as flowers or a bottle of wine.

• Talk about your achievements and some of your goals, but don't sound boastful or lofty. Sound hopeful and open-minded rather than apathetic and lost if you don't have a life plan.

• Try not to be too touchy-feely with your girlfriend around her parents. Innocent hand holding is fine, but anything more might make them nervous.

• Never argue. If a point of contention comes up, voice your opinion politely and then let it go.