You’ve been dating your guy for a while, and things are starting to get serious. He’s finally going to introduce you to his parents! You want to make a good impression but don’t know how. Relax—don’t worry too much. Here are some easy steps to follow that will help you charm your way into your boyfriend’s parents’ hearts.
Do Your Research
Before you meet your boyfriend’s parents, take some time to do your research. This doesn’t mean snooping through his social media accounts or asking his friends and family members for dirt on his folks. Instead, try to find out what kind of people they are and what their interests are. That way, you’ll have some talking points ready when you sit down with them. For example, suppose you know that his mom is an avid gardener. In that case, you could ask her about her favorite flowers or gardening tips. If his dad is a big football fan, maybe you could ask him about his favorite team or the last game they attended together.
Bring a Gift
It’s always nice to bring a small gift when meeting someone for the first time, especially when meeting your significant other’s parents. A nice bottle of wine or a box of chocolates is always appreciated (just make sure to find out if they have any dietary restrictions first). But if you really want to make a fantastic impression, giving them thoughtful gifts would be the best way to go.
You could get her a nice piece of jewelry or a beautiful bouquet of flowers for his mom. On the other hand, you can never go wrong with giving his dad a new shirt. If his dad is tall, go online and shop for t-shirts for tall men. Choose a shirt that is his style, and you’re sure to score some points.
Communicate properly
You must remember that they are meeting you for the first time, so be very conscious about how you communicate. Avoid using slang or profanity, and use proper grammar as much as possible. Be respectful of their time, and don’t monopolize the conversation. If they ask you questions, answer them truthfully and concisely. And most importantly, don’t say anything negative about your boyfriend. They are his parents, after all, and they love him unconditionally.
Instead, talk about the things you love about him. Let them know what a great catch he is and how lucky you feel to be with him. This will definitely make them see you in a positive light.
Be on Your Best Behavior
Of course, you should always be on your best behavior when meeting someone new. But it’s imperative to mind your manners when meeting your boyfriend’s parents. Try not to swear, or at least tone it down if you do. Don’t talk with your mouth full, and make sure to say please and thank you. Basically, just use the same manners your mom taught you, and you’ll be fine.
Dress the Part
First impressions are essential, so you’ll want to dress to impress when you meet your boyfriend’s parents for the first time. But don’t worry—you don’t have to break the bank or go out and buy a brand new outfit. Just wear something appropriate, and flattering, and makes you feel confident. After all, feeling good about what you’re wearing will show in your demeanor and how you carry yourself. Here are some ideas of what to wear:
- a dress or skirt and blouse
- nice jeans or slacks with a more excellent top
- a cardigan or sweater
Avoid wearing anything that is too revealing, or anything that you would wear to a club or bar. You want to look like a lady, not like you’re trying to score some free drinks.
Be Yourself
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating: be yourself! Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to impress his parents. They will see right through it, and it will only make things awkward in the long run. Just relax and let your natural charisma and sense of humor shine through—his parents will love you for it.
But if you’re feeling extra nervous, just remember that his parents were probably just as anxious when they met your parents for the first time. So take a deep breath, put on a smile, and go charm their socks off!
Final thoughts
Meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time can be daunting—but it doesn’t have to be! Just follow these simple steps, and they will surely fall in love with you too!
