When you love someone so much, there comes the time that you have to meet their parents. That’s okay. For the most part, meeting your lover’s parents for the first time will be a tense and harrowing experience, but few parents will go out of their way to make you uncomfortable. Still, some preparation is a sound idea – and the following tips will ensure your meeting is a positive experience.
Do proper research
Try to find out as much as you can about your girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s parents before you meet them. A good partner will want you to succeed, so they will give you all the information you need.
Are they easy-going or are they conservative? Ask your partner about their passions and interests and also ask if there are any issues they are particularly stiff about, so you can prevent the whole foot-in-mouth syndrome.
Meeting the parents is similar to the first date you had with your loved one. You put on your best behavior. You feel overwhelmingly self-conscious and you’re unable to relax. But proper research might just instill the right measure of confidence in you.
Don’t go empty handed
When meeting the parents for the first time never go empty-handed. You might be labeled as mean. Ask your partner what food their parents love and buy it. Food (not cooked) is a good idea since it can’t be rejected or disliked. Further, try eating all or most of the food served to you. You don’t want to offend your lover’s parents
Avoid challenging Topics
Many people instinctively know that there are certain topics to avoid when meeting the parents, but because it isn’t immediately obvious to everyone, this tip needs to be stated blatantly: avoid all taboo or sensitive topics. This includes politics and religion
The only exception to this rule is if you are already absolutely positive that you and the parents agree on the subject – and even then don’t share more than is necessary. You are probably being tested if these kinds of questions come up, which is fine, but not to be covered when first meeting the parents if at all possible.
Politeness counts
It matters how you treat your partners’ parents and other family members. This means pitching in when asked, offering help, saying please and thank you, avoiding sheng, treating annoying and/or frustrating family members with kindness, and observing all their hygiene practices.
Dress well.
Cleanliness, grooming, and presentation count when meeting the parents. It doesn’t matter how much you love miniskirts, caps, bling, or any other fashion fad. When you meet the parents, drop all that. With that being said, it doesn’t mean you need to be a model to wow the parents, but you do need to look decent.
Making a perfect impression when you meet the parents for the first time isn’t easy, but with these simple tips to help you out, you should be able to charm your partner’s parents just the way they want to be charmed.
