There's something about meeting a new guy's parents that makes your hands tremble and your stomach do flip flops. Even the most confident people get nervous, and no matter how many times you do it, it never seems to get any easier. Preparing ahead of time, along with keeping some tips in mind while you're there, can make a world of difference. Follow a handful of tips and your experience with your new guy's parents can go much better than expected.
Ease up on the drinking
Coming off as a lush isn't an impression you want to make with your new guy's parents. Have one drink, two at the most, but you're better off not going beyond that. If you're a lightweight, make sure you eat beforehand and have only one drink.
Offer to help
If you and your guy are sitting down to eat with his parents, offer to help set the table and clean up. Should they turn down your offer, at least clean up your own area.
Deliver compliments
Compliment your boyfriend's parents on their home and on the meal if you're served one. However, avoid going overboard with them otherwise you'll just look like you're kissing up or being fake instead of being your genuine, nice self.
Keep the conversation positive
Being negative during a first meeting is not something that's going to go over very well. No matter what's said during the conversation, keep a positive attitude and don't insult anyone. I've known some parents who've tested their child's new partner just to see what they would say and how they would say it, so hold your tongue a bit if necessary.
Follow the house rules
If you're visiting the home of his parents for a few hours or even overnight, follow all their house rules even if you don't agree with them. For example, if they tell you they want the two of you sleeping in separate rooms, don't sneak into his room in the middle of the night for some action. You don't know what their habits are, so if one gets up in the middle of the night and catches you, there goes whatever positive impression you've made.
Stay off your phone
It's bad enough to be on a date and have your phone out, but it's even worse to be around your guy's parents while you're chatting or texting on your cell. The only reason you should keep it out is if there's an extremely important emergency that requires you to do so. Don't forget to turn your ringer off so it doesn't keep going off.
Watch your interaction with each other
No mother wants some woman giving her baby boy a sultry glance like she's going to rip his clothes off minutes after the souffle is finished. His mother is also not going to be very pleased to see the two of you pawing at each other or making out even if she's not in the same room. The extent of your PDA with each other should be holding hands and nothing more.
Plan topic talk beforehand
Before you go, talk with your guy about what topics are off limits with his parents. He may have told you something that he doesn't want mentioned to his family or his parents may be sensitive to a particular topic of conversation. The discussion beforehand will help you feel more comfortable about what to discuss while you're around them.
Although you have to be careful about what you do and talk about around your guy's parents, keep in mind that the most important thing is to be yourself as they can sense if you're not. Don't worry so much about impressing them and just concentrate on showing the best side of yourself. When they get the sense that you're genuine and really care for their son, there's a better chance that things will go the way you hope.
More from Lauren R:
Signs your Mr. Right could actually be Mr. Wrong
Tips for handling his guys' night
Should you ask him to get tested for STDs?
