Tips for Meeting the Parents

Meeting the parents for the first time is an enormous step in any relationship. Here are a few things to remember when meeting the couple liable for bringing your special person into the world.

Don’t Rush – Meeting the parents is one of the biggest occurrences in a relationship. Do not rush into getting to know your partners family. It is your relationship with your partner that you have to focus on first. It is important that you find out what you mean to each other before bringing in the folks.

Background information – Make the effort to do some research on interests etc of your partner’s family members to ensure that conversation is not awkward and minimum. This way you will be able to keep the conversation going with insights of what everyone is involved in.

Dress Appropriately – Do not dress in showy or uncomfortable outfits. You do not want to be fiddling with your attire the whole evening or showing off more skin than either of his/her parents can tolerate. Dress to impress the parentals.

Show up on time – Lateness can be viewed as a sign of lack of care and/or laziness. Make a good first impression and be where you are meant to be, when you are meant to be there. Remember, arriving early is more recommended then showing up late.

Don’t go empty handed – Whether it is a bottle of wine or some of you partners parents favourite chocolate, it is nice to show that you have put in a bit of thought into a “nice to meet you” gift.

Be yourself – Remember that your partner is with you because they like you for who you are and they no doubt want their parents to know the real you. So be entirely you. Do not pretend to be who you think they want you to be. With this being said, always be on your best behavior. Demonstrate the manners you were instilled with and refrain from swearing.

Join in – Many families have traditions that have been in the family for generations. Join in to any games or customs that may present themselves during the evening. You may never have heard of the game, but embrace whatever comes.

Don’t drink too much – A couple of drinks with dinner to calm your nerves is acceptable. But do not go overboard with your alcohol consumption and wind up making a fool of yourself.

Light and Fun – Only broach topics that are unlikely to begin debates and possibly offend people if opinions differ. These topics include but are not limited to, Religion, Politics and Sexual Orientation.