5. Gifts
We all love them. However, finding the right gift is important. So find out in advance from your guy on what would be a good gift. Perhaps you could try a bottle of wine or some chocolates. I noticed that a box of expensive chocolates works perfectly. But make sure you know what kind they prefer – dark, white, milk chocolate…
6. Attire
Get as much information as you can from your mate. You don’t want to overdress or look sloppy. Stay away from mini skirts and anything that shows off your cleavage or underwear (bra straps in particular), see-throughs also should be avoided. Find out what style is expected – your boyfriend should surely know! Oh, and please, try not to put too much makeup. Many parents and grandparents might disapprove…
7. Conversation
So you dressed up real pretty, but do you have a mind? Then prove it but don’t go overboard. Try and not show off about your exploits and education. Try and involve all the members of the family. Be polite.
8. Flattery
Yes it works to an extent. Shower a little praise on them for making their son a fine gentleman. His mother certainly wouldn’t mind a few compliments on the food or home décor. But make sure you complement on things you really like (like their son :). You don’t want the compliments sound like little suck-up lies, do you?
9. Opinions
While it’s fine to have an opinion on certain matters, try and stay away from politics, religion and gender issues. You don’t want to find yourself contradicting all the other family members. Agreeing with things or staying politely quiet is the best policy when family debates begin. If giving an opinion can not be avoided, try to stay as neutral as possible, not to offend anyone.
10. Leave
After dinner stay a while and chat, but don’t linger on forever. They will probably want to wrap it up even if the evening went well. So thank everyone for having you over and make a graceful exit.
Meeting the parents doesn’t need to be a dreadful. So, basically just be nice, open and honest. If you plan things in advance or at least think over the questions they might ask you, you will feel more comfortable and prepared. I know it worked for me, and now my mother in law and I are in a great relationship :) I am pretty sure these tips will work for you too.
Good luck, and remember, if their son fell in love with you, they’ll love you too!
I believe in the saying that first impressions last. =)
I liked this article a whole lot.
I will be meeting my boyfriend’s parents soon and want to make the right impression. I know that I will be myself because parents can see right threw people and they will see my intension’s are good. Thank you for writing about this issue now I know that what I’m doing when I meet his parents is just going to be fine. Also this can apply to him meeting my parents which he will do sooner then me meeting his.
It’s really scary meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time. Just act normal and be yourself. Parents have a strong sense when it comes to this.
I ENJOYED THESE HELPFUL HINTS. I AM SO SCARED TO MEET MY BOYFRIEND’S FAMILY. I KEEP SEEING IT AS AN INTERVIEW SORT OF THING BUT THIS WILL SURELY HELP!
Yeah, this was pretty helpful to me, thanks!! :D
I’ve met my boyfriend’s mom a couple of times before and she’s really cool. I am yet to meet the rest of the family and it’s making me feel very squeamish about it. I hope it turns out well…..’cause my family approves of my boyfriend very much.
Wow. Well I’ve been nervous because I’m meeting his family tonight, but I think I’ll be ok after I read this. It kind of helped to reassured myself. Thank you :)
After reading this I’m starting to feel more and more confident about meeting my boyfriend’s family for thanksgiving, and I plan to help his mom out and show her that I can be a responsible woman, and worthy to be part of my boyfriend’s life and her’s.
Well I met my boyfriends parents 2 years ago! Til this day I still can’t talk to them. I am really shy and when I start talking to his mom I mess up what I said. I’m frustrated and I don’t know what to do.
Steph,
I met my boyfriend’s parents 2 years ago also. I’m not shy at all and I STILL have difficulty talking with them! It can be akward.
Just try to be “normal” and strictly yourself. Stick to a conversation in which you are comfortable. It’ll get easier, I promise.
I’m meeting my boyfriend’s family tonight and I am very nervous. I’ve known about this night for weeks and yet, still nervous. I just relax, take a couple of shots of Jack Daniels (Just kidding!) and be myself. Thank you for this article.
Dear Cassandra,
I know how nerve wrecking this experience can be and there isn’t much you can do about it. Except a couple of shots of Jack Daniels… (kidding!). Just think about the fact that his parents are too nervous about the meeting. They too are worried about making a good impression on the girl their son loves, so, you guys are in the same position :)
But despite all the nervousness, I hope your meeting went great!
I agree with you, First impression matters a lot. If he’s not accepted the first day..wooh
I am going to meet my boyfriend’s parents this Sat and after reading this I am actually feeling a lot more nervrous than before. My boyfriend and I have not been together very long and he said this is a very casual meeting. I have never met any of my ex’s parents, nor have I brought anyone home to meet mine. He had assured me this is nothing formal and now after reading this I am freaking out a little. Should I tell him no after I already agreed to the meeting?
Obviously I’m here because I’m meeting my boyfriend’s parents soon, but the thing is, im not nervous. I’m just a little worried about what to talk about. Also I kinda feel out of place and awkward when it’s just me and his family. :/
Dear Missy,
I know exactly how you feel… Don’t worry about the topics – they’ll be the ones entertaining you and coming up with questions, stories etc., I assure you :)
Although you might compliment them on their son ( what a gentlemen he is, how smart he is etc.), the house, the dinner…
It will be great, don’t worry, sweetie!
thank you. i am a college student from China.
i am writing a essay about how to leave a good impression on my BF’s parents.
thanks for your tips.
Dear Xianxian,
I am so happy these tips were helpful! Good luck with meeting your boyfriends parents, sweetie!
xoxo
this is such great advice! im meeting my boyfriends mother at thanksgiving dinner at her parents house, so im not just meeting mom, im meeting grandma and grandpa too. ive been freaking out and this really really helps!
Hey Autumn,
Awww we’re glad we could help :) I’m sure you’re gonna be a hit with them. Good luck!