Meeting your boyfriend's parents is inevitable as the relationship starts to get more serious. Some girls panic in a delicate situation like this, but if you want to know how to approach the meeting without problems, read on!
Steps
Step 1. First, you need to feel ready
There is no reason to rush things - only arrange to meet when things between you start to get more serious. Typically, introducing yourself to your boyfriend's parents three to four weeks into the relationship is a good way to take the relationship to the next level.
Step 2. Give them a little gift
Ask your boyfriend if they appreciate a particular dessert, flowers, chocolates or, if you have been invited to dinner, a specific wine. This way, you will have the opportunity to start the meeting on a positive note.
Step 3. Be cheerful
Nobody likes people who complain and whine. Avoid sad stories, comments about exes, or quarrels between you and your partner. Certainly his parents would not take such speeches well. As long as you two are happy, they will be too, so choose light topics and keep the conversation pleasant.
Step 4. Stay calm and be yourself
There is nothing worse than pretending, and if you try too hard, your attempts will be extremely obvious. So, stay calm and try to have fun. If you are relaxed, not too shy or exuberant, your boyfriend's parents will feel comfortable with you and the conversation will be easier. When they ask you a question, for example about your future or your career, be honest but be convinced and sure of your intentions.
Step 5. Show interest
Ask a few questions about their child, their job or their hobbies. It will be useful to get to know them better and show that you are not a self-centered person. Additionally, you may find that you have a common interest that would make for a great conversation topic. That would be a point in your favor. Don't forget to give some compliments from time to time, without exaggerating or lying; for example, if they have a nice house, say it no problem.
Step 6. Choose a dress to impress
If you want to make a good impression, you need to dress for the occasion. Find out exactly what you will do: if a special dinner is planned, choose an appropriate dress, but if you are only meeting for a cup of tea, dress casually but with dignity. Any outfit will do, as long as you don't go for a messy look or one that gets you out of sight.
Step 7. Remember that your boyfriend's parents are perfectly normal people, just like you
Step 8. There is no reason to fret
To make sure you have a good time with them, ask your boyfriend for some information about their culture, their habits, what they like and hate. If you do not have a good knowledge of the topics mentioned, it is better to do a quick search in the library or online, in order to have more conversation points and avoid nodding and smiling, without understanding a word of what they refer to. Also, don't use everything you know about them during the first meeting, unless it's essential. You don't have to discuss everything because, if they invite you to dinner again, you will have to find out more about them so as not to let the conversation languish and the cycle will repeat itself.
Step 9. Good luck
Advice
- Always be respectful.
- You smile.
- Do not overdo it.
- When they talk to their child, don't interrupt them. Even if you are a part of their life now, they will not welcome a person who constantly meddles in their business. It will look like you want to take it away.
- Do not panic. Stay calm and peaceful.
- Try to have fun!
Warnings
- Try to make the most of the moments you spend with your boyfriend's parents. You will make your partner happy and, hopefully, new possibilities will open up for you in the future.
- Don't get caught up in awe. Your boyfriend's parents are probably just as agitated as you are.
- Don't try too hard to make everything perfect and be yourself. Don't be afraid to show yourself for who you are - your personality can't be that bad if you have a boyfriend who loves you.
- Don't try to look different. Even if they're not crazy about you, it doesn't mean there's no more hope. Try to make things work and, in the end, you will see that they too will work to make your relationship more enjoyable.
