How to Meet The Parents

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By Jerrie Dean
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Meeting the Parents

Meeting The Parents for the first time can be nerve wracking. What do you wear? How to you Dress? What do you say? Whether your meeting your boyfriends parents or your girlfriends parents these tips will keep you in good graces with them for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

They are Just like everyone else.

Remember that The Parents are people. Don't put them on a pedestal, don't talk down to them, just talk to them. They really want to be friends with you, but if you are intimidated by them or think they are a bunch of fuddy-duddies, they will sense it and all communication will be lost. If you feel as though The Parents are a little aloof, just be yourself and give it time, they will warm up to you, if you stay real.
Step 2

You may lean towards dressing provocative for your partner, for your visit to The Parents house, but restrain yourself. Be clean from head to toe, dress simple and neat and keep the aftershave, jewelry and makeup less than usual. No shirts with poker playing dogs and no midriff sweaters, please.
Step 3

Don't try to impress them with an expensive gift or flattery. Parents can see right through it and it will do just the opposite of what you intended. Do bring a present based on their hobby or interests. It will show that you were taking the time, to learn more about them. Do give honest praise about them or their home after you have spent time with them.
Step 4

Whether you like it or not, they do know more than you. They have been on this world longer than you and they have experiences that you have yet to know. Just take it for granted that they know what they are doing. If you open your mind and listen, you may be surprised to find out that they have all kinds of wonderful advice.
Step 5

Old Photographs

You may miss being home, or with your own family, but don't start drifting off when the family starts going down memory lane, and pulling out the photo album. Ask questions to help keep you focused and remember these old family members may be dangling from your own family tree one day.
Step 6

Give a Pedicure

Like it or not, you should cater to them. Help clean up and do the dishes after dinner, for example. Do not ask if you can help, just help. If you want to be part of the family, you need to know when to be part of the family. Never, ever flop yourself on the couch with your feet up, while The Parents are cleaning. You will be labeled lazy and ill-mannered.
Step 7

Oh, no! You didn't!

Be on your best behavior. Don't gossip about friends and point out how dumb your co worker is, to them. They will find it boring and childish and wonder when you will be talking about them next.
Step 8

Cell Phone Hideout

Check your phone etiquette. Go ahead and call your own parents and family, especially during the holidays, but if the conversation goes, to Aunt Mabel getting drunk during dinner and spilling the gravy, take the conversation out of ear shot.
Step 9

If the conversation of living together, or marriage or even children come up, pass it off to your partner by saying, "What do you think about that?" These questions are very difficult to answer and you can be judged harshly by your answer. Just avoid them all together.
Step 10

Because you are nervous, you may want a couple of drinks to calm your nerves, but don't do it. Two may end up to be three, and before you know it your crying on one of The Parents shoulders over an old boyfriend that dumped you.

Comments

rumblebug said

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on 11/20/2008 I've got some years before my little one brings her first boyfriend home but these would have been very helpful for me 4 years ago! :) Thank you!

momofour said

on 11/20/2008 The first time I met my in-laws was when they came to my house for dinner. Talk about nervous!!!! Everything was going fine until I served dessert. Just as I was scooping the peach cobbler onto the plates, I realized I forgot to add the sugar. I explained that I forgot it as I brought it to the table and everyone laughed. Then my future mom-in-law told me I would learn to cook as time went on!! It was all I could do to not laugh in her face. I had been cooking for 20 years! Bless her heart, I love her to death. Great article!!*****

deepthinkin said

on 11/20/2008 LOL! I remember dining for the first time at my future in-laws house...they made key-lime pie that was so tart it turned my face inside out. Yet, I dutifully kept eating it, till THEY discovered the pie was inordinately sour. Whew! Thanks for your tips.