How to Win Over Your Crush' s Mom

Even when the children are grown and out of the house, moms still worry whether their sons and daughters are eating right, wearing a jacket and especially making the right kinds of friends. What's more, even though most adults deny it, they still listen to their mothers' advice. So if you make a bad impression on a crush' s mom, it could doom a potential relationship. However, if you can win a mom over, she will sing your praises in every phone call, e-mail and visit to her son or daughter. Mom's can be incredible allies in the dating world, and even if the relationship between you and your crush doesn't workout, you may find that you have established a great friendship with a mom.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A job
• A car
• A nice pair of shoes

1. When meeting a crush's mom for the first time, never try to convince her you are someone other than yourself. Not only will you start the relationship off with a lie that has to be maintained, but moms see right through that kind of thing; every mom has had to deal with an Eddie Haskell at one point or another. Instead, try to emphasize your endearing characteristics while shedding the less appealing ones. Let her see your sense of humor, your disarming nature, your honesty. Remember, you are creating a friendship not a courtship so there's no need to prove you are or undeniably sexy or a brooding bad-ass.
2. Start the conversation off about her. Most people have the urge to explain themselves when meeting the mom of a crush. Fight that urge, she's not a cop issuing you a ticket. Try to compliment an article of her clothing that stands out from the rest, because chances are it stands out to be noticed in the first place. But be careful not to be disingenuous in your compliment or overly enthusiastic about something as simple as a scarf. Or, if you feel confident enough to try it, make a light-hearted joke. A simple classic is, "So how long have you been Annie's mom?" or whatever the crush' s name may be.
3. Treat her with respect. This is important because it's easy to slip into the mindset that the mom is only a means to get to her son or daughter. While this may be one of your goals, it should never be your primary objective. She is a real person, not a chess piece. Treat her as you would anyone you wanted to befriend. Besides, after years of practice with kids, most moms are infinitely better at manipulation than you, so she'll read it instantly.
4. Only reveal your talents and accomplishments when prodded. Everyone will appreciate your achievements more when they aren't on display, especially moms. Handle the friendship with her like you would any other friendship, where you have plenty of time to learn about one another. If you gloat or try to force your success into conversation, it will sound like a job interview instead of a friendly chat.
5. Use your manners. Mom's are often enchanted by even the smallest amount of chivalry in those younger than her. This is a tough one because you don't want to over do it, but subtle courtesies will not go unappreciated. Whether this is holding the door, rising from a chair to greet or say goodbye to her, or bringing a bottle of wine to dinner, she will be grateful for your efforts.
6. Do the dishes. Chances are you will be meeting your crushes mom at some social function, and the opportunity will arise for you to help clean up. If it's dinner, clearing the table and doing dishes is a great way to lend a hand. If you are in a public gathering like a restaurant, the opportunities are significantly fewer, but you can at least offer to pay the bill. If she persists, let her know that she can get it next time.
7. Be as honest as possible. If you don't like her one bit, don't try to force the friendship; it might be one you can live without. But most moms are interesting and a lot of fun when they aren't harnessed with responsibility. If you can demonstrate that you are all the fun of a son or daughter without any of the emotional baggage, you can win her over, and before long you'll be hearing your crush say, "My mom won't stop talking about you."

Tips & Warnings

• Never try to hook up with your crush' s mom, because then you'd have to get to know her mom and that would be exhausting.
• Don't be overeager to meet or hang out with her, it will be weird to both your crush and your crush' s mom.
• Developing a stronger relationship with your crush' s mom than with the crush is dangerous ground. Always recognize which relationship takes priority.
• If you are trying to win over the mom just to sleep with her son or daughter it likely won't work because you will be lacking many of the characteristics moms find charming, and she will probably guess at your intentions. Plus, you are a bad person.