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(#1) Remember Your Manners
Think back to all those formalities you learned back in kindergarten. Shake hands, follow house rules, and remember please, thank you, and excuse me. A little etiquette goes a long way.
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(#2) Avoid Politics And Religion
Especially important at the first meeting. You never know where people stand, so stick to subjects where you can find common ground. Talk about recent movies, your favorite books, great vacation spots, funny childhood stories, but leave current events and your religious beliefs off the table.
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(#3) Offer To Help Clean
Parents love it when you are being mindful of ways you can be useful! Always offer to help out with dishes, take out the trash, or anything else that can make their life easier.
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(#4) Don't Get Drunk
Booze makes a great social lubricant, which can help you come off more candid and genuine with your partner's folks. There's nothing wrong with a glass of wine or a beer, but no one wants their son or daughter dating a lush. Know your limits and decline refills once you start feeling the booze.
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(#5) Put Down The Phone
It's become acceptable to take our phones out in basically any circumstance. But, with your significant other's parents, give them your undivided attention. Checking your texts, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or anything else can wait.
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(#6) Dress Well
Like it or not, appearances are going to matter when you are trying to make an impression, so go for something dressy casual. Avoid anything too revealing or too unconventional.
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(#7) Make A Great First Impression
Parents tend to be protective of their kids, so if you fumble the first impression, it may be hard to recover. When you first meet the folks, smile, make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and tell them it's nice to meet them.
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(#8) Compliment Their Child
Parents love to hear they're doing a good job. It can never hurt to, say, mention you can see where your partner gets their awesome sense of humor, great personality, or generosity. Bonus points if you can work in an anecdote about something sweet their child did for you.
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(#9) Search For Common Ground
Common ground will both endear you to your partner's parents and keep conversation flowing comfortably. What's something you all have in common? Do you have the same tastes in movies and television or a mutual enthusiasm for a particular hobby? Play that up!
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(#10) Ask Questions
Everyone loves talking about themselves, so ask your partner's parents about their tastes, jobs, lives, and more. A simple "What do you do for a living?" or "Where are you from?" can get the conversation flowing and show your partner's folks you want to get to know them.
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(#11) Go Easy On The PDA Without Avoiding Affection
Your partner's parents probably don't want to see you hanging off their child all night, but don't completely avoid physical contact with your partner out of fear of offending. Hand holding and the occasional pat on the shoulder are fine and show you care - but try to avoid anything too cozy for comfort.
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(#12) Be Yourself
Your partner's parents will appreciate someone genuine rather than someone who schmoozes to win favor. Obviously, you can play up the compliments and enthusiasm a bit, but give honest answers to questions and let your true personality show.
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(#13) Be Complimentary
Compliment the food, tell them they have a beautiful home, and thank them for their hospitality upon arrival and departure. You don't need to be fake, but flattery can go a long way if it's sincere.
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(#14) Prepare Ahead Of Time
It can never hurt to ask your partner about their parents' tastes, opinions, likes, and dislikes. This way, you can go into the situation with fodder for conversation, a sense of how to behave, and knowledge of what topics to avoid altogether.
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(#15) Get Interested and Engaged
Even if you're not interested, pretend you are. No matter what they're talking about, act like it's the most fascinating thing you've ever heard. People tend to like people who are interested in what they have to say, and your significant other's folks will be no different.
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(#16) Remember Other Family Members
Your partners parents want to make sure you fit in with the whole family. Be polite to siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and anyone else you encounter.
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(#17) Treat Them Like People, Not Parents
Be cordial, of course, but avoid cordial to the point of stiff. Act warmly, address them kindly, and indicate interest in their lives beyond their child.
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(#18) Forget Preconceived Notions
Your significant other has probably vented to you about their parents. Your input on these matters may be valuable to your partner, but - when you meet the parents - set all that aside so you can be as pleasant as possible. Leave any assumptions based on your partner's stories far behind.
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(#19) Bring A Gift For Events
Whether it's bringing a bottle of wine to dinner or a small gift for the holidays, this token of respect will seriously impress. And - if you're not sure what to get - ask your partner for a little guidance.
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(#20) Watch Your Body Language
Even when we are not talking, our bodies are speaking volumes. Sit up straight, don't cross your arms, cover your yawns, and don't stare at the floor.
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(#21) Defer To Them About Your Significant Other
It's important not to act like you know your partner better than their parents do. They will appreciate it if you ask for their input on things like gifts, food, and vacation plans. It's an easy way to show respect.
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(#22) Write A Thank You Note
Whether you came over for dinner or spent a weekend at the family summer home, a handwritten thank you note is bound to impress. It's an old fashioned, thoughtful gesture that will certainly endear you to your partner's folks.
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(#23) Be As Agreeable As Possible
No one wants to see their child with someone who's unreasonably high maintenance! Try to go with the flow. Don't be choosy about the restaurant or food. Be down for whatever board game you play or movie you watch. Even if you don't like something, stomach it for a few hours to impress the folks!
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About This Tool
Dating a good girl or boy is a wonderful thing, and as the relationship develops, you will reach an exciting milestone in your life. Your lover may ask this terrible question: "Do you want to meet my parents"? This may prove that you are in a stable relationship, but it may also be a nerve-wracking idea. The purpose of this meeting is to win the support of parents, and this may be your homework that must be completed in a relationship.
The first impression may not be the last, but it does leave a lasting impression. It is also a great time to get a sense of the family’s culture. The random tool lists 23 useful tips for how to charm your significant other's parents.
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