How to Meet Your Boyfriend’s Parents

The first time meeting your boyfriend’s parents can be stressful. You want to impress them but you don’t want to over do it. Following these steps will keep you on that fine line between making a good impression and “sucking up.”

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Bring something. If you’re going to their home for dinner, ask beforehand if there is a certain dish or side that you can bring. If there isn’t anything in particular, make a batch of cookies or some other treat to bring for snacks. If you’re going out to dinner with the parents for the first meeting, bring something for their home that can be portable like a bottle of wine or a candle.

2. Smile and laugh a lot. Try not to bring up any somber issues, especially if it has to do with the family or your relationship. Try to keep the tone of the conversation light and fun. Laugh at any jokes and stay smiling and upbeat.

3. Know some of the parents’ background information. Quiz your boyfriend before meeting them and make sure you know some of the basics that the conversation can easily lead to such as their line of work or their hobbies. Learn a few things about their job or hobbies if you don’t already so you can have an intelligent discussion. If you have any, prepare a few stories relating to their interests.

4. Know yourself and your plan. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself. You’ll probably hear many of those “Where do you see yourself in five years?” questions so have your answers prepared. Your answers should be truthful and realistic but make sure you sound confident in your own plan.

5. Give your boyfriend the floor. Depending on how frequently your boyfriend sees his parents, they may want to visit a little with him and catch up. If the attention turns to your boyfriend and his parents start to ask him questions about life, let him answer without chiming in. Although you are a big part of his life and probably a big part of his answers, they probably want to hear the latest news from his mouth because that’s what they’re used to. If you give him the floor so they can “visit,” his parents will be impressed with your restraint.

6. Offer to help clean up or pay. If you’re at their home for dinner, offer to help wash dishes and clean the kitchen. If you’re out to eat, offer to pay for your meal. More than likely, the parents won’t allow you to pay but they’ll appreciate the offer.

Resources

• Find gift ideas for his parents at Red Envelope.