When meeting an Italian girl's parents, are/were there traditions to follow?

[Faceutd]

I am meeting my girlfriends parents for the first time and would like to make a good impression without going over board and trying to hard at the same time. They are from Italy themselves and I was curious are there any traditions that would be a nice gesture to follow when meeting them for the first time.

[native65]

I was married to an Italian woman a few years back, I had to worry more about her then her family... LMAO! But, as far as OLD school Italians (especially padre/dad) You might want to talk to him in private and tell him what your intentions are as far as what you want with his daughter. In more modern times they have 'Americanized" themselves and as long as you treat their daughter with respect your fine. And get used to eating a lot during the holidays! We don't hold a candle to their 7 course meals! GOD I miss my Italian in laws! I loved them so much! Like I said I actually got a long with her folks better then I did with her!

[kholland65]

Nothing really. Just be ready for kisses on the cheek. My mom's side of the family is all 100% italian and we've been doing that ever since I can remember. We don't do it guy to guy like they do in italy, but when its man to women greeting each other, we almost always give a little peck on the cheek. Don't go in for one yourself but if they do it, be ready for it.

[Nicci]

Mm, I don't really think you need to worry about that, I'm Italian and I can't think of anything that you should do or anything like that.

Only thing I'd say is that Italians are very family-oriented, family is important so if you should that you care for your girlfriend and you'd treat her right, that should be perfectly fine.

This is on top of the normal things you should do when meeting your girlfriends parents, like show them and her respect etc.

[snowangle]

I had an Italian exchange student last year, and her parents came to visit us for a few days while she was here. They're not much different from us, however I will say that generally they are very warm (not reserved) even when meeting for the first time. Her parents hugged me and kissed both my cheeks when they came.

[DaniJ]

aww! I don't know what Italian traditions are or anything, but I'd say with an attitude like that you're golden anyway :) Her parents should love you :)

[Anonymous]

My partner is Indian but I would say that the same principles and ethics would apply here.

I think its very important to respect their culture and chat with the family when first meeting.

Normally the father will be driving things but just be yourself and be friendly. As with all parents yoou need to be kind to the mother and any siblings too.

My partner built up meeting her parents to seem like a big thing, but I went and met them and got on really well and they invited me to come back anytime. We got on great and I ended up marrying this girl whom is now my wife and I am treated as their own son.

[Claretica]

Pay your respect to her father.

Chances are he's the family patriarch, shake his hand and follow his lead.

Call him sir.

Blah blah blah.

It depends what part of Italy they're from and how much they hold onto their old ways.

[ziva123]

just ask them if you're curious. they tend to find it charming if you ask how to say/eat/do stuff :)

[James657]

Well if you’re a spic or NOT CATHOLIC you have NO chance !

No matter how GOOD you treat their daughter. Old school Italians are prejudice.

[Anonymous]

Italian people also people from spain know how to enjoy life they are always talking and laughing they love to eat . You should talk spontanously but not too much at first let them show you their personality first

[Anonymous]

Come with Italian dessert like canolis or something . Shake their hand and if your not catholic (most Italians are) then don't bring up religion

[Anonymous]

I am italian. Do not be rude or impolite in ANY way. Don't talk too much or not enough. Seem like you are safe for their daughter. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

learning some intalian would me nice