You are very much in love with your girlfriend and has been insisting on introducing you to her parents for a while. One fine day, they invite you to dinner. What's the problem? They are skeptical and wary, and you don't know how to behave! Keep calm! Read this article to learn how to make a good impression on them.
Steps
Step 1. Rejoice at the invitation
If your girlfriend asks you to meet her parents, then she's probably pretty sure you'll make a good impression. So be calm!
Step 2. Dress appropriately
You will never make a good impression by showing up to a dinner in casual attire, or to a family lunch in a formal dress.
Step 3. Talk
Just be yourself; be polite and have a conversation with your girlfriend's parents. If you sit without saying a word, you will embarrass both her and hers.
Step 4. Introduce yourself
Talk about your hobbies and preferences. If asked, illustrate your professional plans. A great way to positively impress any parent is to have a good (possibly true) plan for the future. Nobody wants their daughter to have an affair with a tramp!
Step 5. Listen
It might be boring, but listening to your girlfriend's dad talks about his golfing and fishing exploits will earn you points. If you have common interests, then you have a better chance of impressing!
Step 6. Be polite
Make sure your table behavior is flawless. Don't say anything offensive or rude in the presence of her parents. Being rude is a surefire way to arouse dislike.
Step 7. Be understanding
Remember that they don't know you, and they probably feel a little annoyed by your presence. Don't put too much weight on their resentment and initial coldness. Remember that they want nothing but the best for their daughter.
Step 8. Talk about your relationship
Although it is advisable not to undertake this type of speech, it may be helpful to talk about your relationship. Don't bring up your intimacy though. If you're going to say something about your girlfriend's appearance, don't go into detail, just her face or her hair.
Step 9. Thank them for their hospitality
Show that you appreciate their invitation and enjoyable time together. That way you will look polite and they will respect you more.
Advice
- Be confident, but not too confident. The key is to find a balance!
- If you have interests in common with your girlfriend's father, then talk about it. Always catch the ball to strike up a conversation.
- Sometimes the best way to please a parent is to positively affect the other. If you make a good impression on the father, then the mother will be happy too. She will be happy that you and her husband get along well.
- Give your girlfriend some attention, but talk more with her parents. If you talk only to her, or she acts as an intermediary, you will defeat the purpose of the visit.
- Don't be so flattering that it looks fake. Only compliment if you really think what you want to say.
- Offer your help! If you help bring the dishes back to the kitchen after dinner, or if you make some other similar gesture, they'll have a better opinion of you.
- Carry only what you really need, such as mints (if you tend to get bad breath). Leave your cell phone and chewing gum at home.
Warnings
- Turn off your cell phone. A phone call from a friend of yours could ruin the good impression you are making.
- Don't brag! This is a really bad way to approach anyone, let alone your girlfriend's parents!
- Don't praise your girlfriend's physical appearance too much, otherwise her parents will worry.
