Eek, so the moment has come to meet your partner’s parents. A necessary evil, if you will. I mean these people could end up being your parents-in-law one day and first impressions count, right? (Sorry as if you weren’t nervous enough already…).
Here are our top tips to ensure it goes smoothly:
1. Do your homework: Try and find out a bit more about his or her parents before you meet so you can prepare questions and think about conversation topics. I know it sounds like a job interview but if you treat it that way, you can’t go too wrong. Make sure you ask them lots of questions about themselves.
2. Dress appropriately: Girls, leave the cleavage-enhancing underwear at home and guys, ditch the scruffy trainers. You’re not on a date remember… Make sure you are comfortable though and keep your clothing smart-casual.
3. Let them talk: Once you’ve got the painful hellos over, let them do most of the talking. Don’t be mute but wait for a good moment to start sharing more stuff about yourself with them.
4. Avoid PDAs: Your dates parents will not like to think that you have done anything more than hold hands with their beloved son or daughter so keep physical contact to a complete minimum.
5. Ignore ex comments: So they loved his last girlfriend or thought the sun shone from her ex’s backside? Whatever you do, do not react if an ex is mentioned.
6. Offer your help: If the meeting involves lunch, be sure to ask if you can help out in the kitchen or do the washing up afterwards. If you are invited for a meal, it’s a good idea to come armed with a small gift, like flowers or a bottle of wine.
7. Relax: Most importantly don’t panic and try to relax. Remember to smile and this will tell your brain that things are going fabulously – even if they aren’t.
If it doesn’t go brilliantly the first time, don’t beat yourself up about it. There will be other times.
Can you think of other useful tips for your fellow Lovestruckers?
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