Despite what your significant other is going to tell you, meeting the parents is a big deal. It means you’re in a fairly serious, committed relationship, and your first impression here will set the tone for any future interactions.
While it seems like a daunting task, here are 10 things to do to help make meeting the parents a little bit more manageable.
10. Study up
Before you even meet the family, there’s a little work to be done in order to prepare. You don’t need to memorize the family tree, but it’s a good idea to ask your significant other about who will be there, general likes and dislikes, how formal the family is, and anything else that they feel you need to know to get on the parent’s good side.
9. Be able to talk about yourself
This might sound odd, but talking about yourself can be pretty challenging. You want to highlight yourself without seeming like bragging, and be humble enough without seeming like you have no accomplishments.
The best way to do this, is practice. Come up with a few things about yourself before hand, so when the spotlight is eventually cast on you, you have a couple of things ready to talk about.
8. Be punctual
Being late is a sign that you don’t care, and this is not the occasion for coming off like you don’t care. Start getting ready a half hour earlier than normal, and hit the road with plenty of time in case of traffic. If you start earlier, you will be more relaxed, and you won’t panic when you get in the car and realize you need to stop to fill the car with gas.
If you are running late, call to let the family know you both are running late, and let them know what time you should be expected.
7. Bring a gift
This is another opportunity to put that research to good use. A nice bottle of wine is a classic gift, but if the family doesn’t drink alcohol, it isn’t the most appropriate gift.
A gift is a great way to start the night off on a good note, so taking the time to pick out the right gift for the family is extremely important.
6. Dress code
This is one of the moments that research will come in handy. If the family is more formal, you’ll want to get dressed up a little, and if they’re more casual, you won’t want to feel overdressed.
Once you know how formal you need to dress, the rest is all about wearing something that you feel great in, and makes you feel confident. The situation is already a little uncomfortable, so don’t bust out a brand new pair of heels that you can barely walk in or a dress that you can’t even breath in.
5. Act natural
When meeting the parents, it’s key to act natural and genuine. They want to meet the person who has impressed their child so much, and while you might be nervous, coming off fake will seem like you’re hiding something.
Don’t compliment his mother’s china set if you really aren’t a fan. Instead, pick out things you really do like to compliment. Remember to be genuine, but not a suck up. No one likes a suck up.
4. Helping hand
If you go over for dinner at the parent’s home, make sure to offer to help clear plates and tidy up. His mom might not let you help, but the gesture will be appreciated.
Offering to help shows you’re willing to participate in the family dynamic, and it shows you appreciate the efforts the family has gone to prepare dinner and open their home to you.
3. Prepare for weak moments
Unlike your own parents, your significant other’s family isn’t going to automatically think you’re a perfect angel. Some might disapprove of you no matter how great you are, and the more you prepare yourself for some criticism, the better you’ll be at politely responding to their questions.
The last thing you want to do in this situation is be put on the spot, so if you had an odd major in college, or if you’re currently unemployed, come up with a way to spin your story into a positive and show them you’re more than perfect for their child.
2. Send a thank you
Whether you send an actual thank you note, or a bouquet of flowers, sending some form of a thank you is a gesture of gratitude and respect. A thank you is also an opportunity to solidify their approval.
1. Be confident
Being confident shows you know who you are, and are proud of yourself. It might be hard to do in this situation, but it’s important to be yourself. People are drawn to confidence, and it will show if you are in a solid relationship.
Have you ever had to meet the parents? Let us know in the comments.
10 Things to Do When Meeting the Parents is a post from: LifeDaily