How to Introduce a Guy to Your Parents

Introducing a guy to your parents is a big step.

Introducing a guy to your parents can be a nerve-racking experience. Worrying about what to talk about, or whether they'll like each other are quite common. Taking your boyfriend home to your family is an important step to show your commitment with him, so you may feel the pressure. However, it does not have to be hard work or scary. Simply by preparing in advance you will overcome any obstacles that might arise in that very first introduction.

Instructions

1. Arrange a convenient time for the guy to meet your parents. Make sure you set aside time for the meeting, so the conversation is not rushed and you can do a thorough introduction.

2. Have dinner together in an informal restaurant, or invite your parents to cook for the guy. This shows your parents that you want your guy and them to spend time to speak together.

3. Provide basic information to both your guy and your parents about each other. Don't leave any surprises to arise at the dinner table. For example, if your guy has a fear of dogs, make sure your parents put their dog outside.

4. Keep it informal, and relax. When you first open the door, or your guy arrives then speak up, and do the introductions confidently to make this happen. Say, "Mom, Dad this is my boyfriend," and then, tell your guy, "These are my folks." Identify your parents by their first names if that is an acceptable form of communication in your family.

5. Allow your guy and your parents to speak. Stand back from the situation for a moment when they first meet and let them talk to each other. It is important both parties lose the initial awkwardness by smiling or laughing about something trivial, talking about the journey to the house, or the weather.

6. Encourage your guy to share his experiences and ideas. Say things that promote longer answers, such as, "Tell Mom and Dad the time you visited China." Or, tell your parents that your boyfriend loves golf, and ask your father if he has any tips to share.

7. Prepare in advance for silences in conversation. Try and remember these things, or write on the back of your hand if it's easier. These things could be new films, courses you are considering to study, future holiday plans or current events.

Tips & Warnings

• If both your parents and your guy are looking forward to meeting, don't panic about the introduction. Just relax.

References

• Being Girl: How to Survive Introducing your Boyfriend to your Parents