Do you want to impress your girlfriend's parents by giving yourself the best opportunity to get their approval? These tips can help you …
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Behavior
Step 1. Treat their daughter with respect
This is the most important thing you can do to convince them. All parents, even those who seem the most hostile, just want their daughter to find a mate who respects and treats her well. Let him know that you are just this kind of person!
Step 2. Engage in conversations that may be of interest to them, and use light hand movements and body language to show them that you are interested in the conversation
Ask your girlfriend what their preferences are; ask her to describe them both individually and together, so that you understand what interests her. Being sulky, reserved, or not making them feel comfortable when you are in the same room is not the best way to get them on your side.
Step 3. Be honest
Regardless of the situation, parents love honesty, because it makes them feel calmer about your relationship with their daughter; therefore always try to answer their questions honestly. Furthermore, remember that parents are more experienced than you; therefore, no matter how good you think you are, they will understand whether or not you are honest.
Step 4. Be yourself
Don't show another personality just to gain their support. You should never pretend to be another person just to impress someone else. Remember that your girlfriend chose YOU for a reason, and what's more, if you pretend, her parents will notice.
Step 5. Be brief but concise when answering questions from your parents
Sometimes parents ask occasional questions about politics, the weather, or other topics to make sure you are able to answer them in an acceptable way.
Method 2 of 2: Body Language and Clothing
Step 1. Be confident
Tell yourself that you are a good guy and that you care a lot about these people's daughter. Make sure you are confident, but don't show any signs of presumptuousness. However, it is not enough just to pretend to be sure of oneself; you must really be, otherwise, the impression you will give will not be as good as you think.
Step 2. Speak directly and frankly
When you first meet them, be sure to maintain eye contact as you speak.
Step 3. Shake hands like a man
This is no time to prove yourself a dead fish or a wimp! When introduced, squeeze the father's hand firmly, maintaining eye contact, smiling, and conveying the message that you are honored to be there. Remember that these are the people who can give you the girl you love; they deserve respect and admiration.
Step 4. Come on
Regardless of how nervous you are, keep your head high. Don't let your eyes point to the floor, or get lost in space; this gives the impression that you would prefer to be anywhere else as long as not there. Stay focused on them, no matter who is speaking.
Step 5. Dress appropriately (pay particular attention to your choice)
Make sure you are wearing something presentable. If you dress too casually, they will think: (A) that you don't care much about your outfit (negative first impression) or (B) that you are stupid because you don't understand why you should have done it (another terrible first impression).
Advice
- Do not worry if you have the impression that they do not accept you immediately. Give it some time to get used to you.
- Don't get stuck. Parents see your girlfriend as their sweet and innocent baby girl. If suddenly she starts acting bolder, and you can't control your hands, her parents won't like you. Never.
- If you already know his parents, explain how you and your girlfriend were friends before they were together (prepare for the interrogation). Mom is always a little nosy, and she wants to know what her daughter is doing and if she has a good boyfriend.
- Be kind and considerate, especially with mom. When you see them doing things like carrying grocery bags or taking out the trash, ask if they need help.
- If you have the impression that he doesn't like you from the start, try to understand the reasons. Is it your appearance, your reputation, or did you have a fight with their daughter and they learned about it, or did she have arguments with them? Any of these things can lead them to hinder your relationship. Understanding their motivations is the first step to take.
- Ask your girlfriend about her parents in advance. Avoid making a fool of yourself. On the other hand, if they're not very formal people, don't be too upset. Just be polite and don't pretend.
- Don't overdo it, otherwise you will look fake and too good. Be natural, polite and yourself.
Warnings
- Don't be abrupt or rude to his parents. Do not irritate them and do not antagonize them. Remember that these are the people who will ultimately give the green light if you ask their daughter to marry. You should try to avoid offending them (it's not in your best interest). You don't want your girlfriend to treat your parents the same way?
- Don't overdo it with compliments. After a while you will get boring. You will look like a phony person.
- When answering a question, don't overdo it. You might give them the impression that you are not "the one" for their daughter because you talk too much.
- Appreciate their genuineness and their hospitality; be kind and respectful in turn. This could be your future family.
- Don't spend all your time checking on your girlfriend. However, don't even be the kind of guy who ignores her or gives her time only when it suits him. Parents don't like this kind of person for their daughter. They prefer a nice guy, with his head on his shoulders, who wants the best for their daughter, and who sees her as the most important thing in his life.
