"Trying too hard will get you nowhere"
"For someone who has had a lot experience dealing with my (ex) GF's parents, I find it all too common that you'll be far too forward and "fake" with them." --- Kleinteef (yes, I know what it means).
So you've met a new guy/girl, you've dated for a few weeks to a couple of months and he/she drops the "I want you to meet my parents" bombshell. Evidently meeting their parents maybe be coicidental, but more than likely, you'll meet them by invite.
How do I act?
- I cannot emphasise enough on two things: don't be too forward and don't be fake - they'll see right through your guise, and eventually they'll come to dislike you.
- Be nervous/timid, who gives a hoot? If you act nervous/timid, the parents will see you're genuine and worried you'll screw it over.
- Do ask the parents as many questions as you can, and pay attention to what they say. Common sense really, it's called respect and acknowledgement.
- Pay attention to your BF/GF. Yes, really do. You need to show that you're truly invested in them and that you're not taking them for granted.
- Get on their sibling's good side (if they have any). If they do, you're in luck. If you get on their sibling's good side, they'll tell their parents - bonus points to be won here.
- Don't ever swear at table or in front of them - ever. I did it once, it didn't turn out well.
- If you're meeting them for the first time over dinner/lunch, make sure you know what you're eating beforehand. When I met my ex's parents over dinner we had spaghetti ... probably the most awkward dinner ever for obvious reasons. The parents still "really" liked me though ...
The mum (or mom, IDGAF):
Mum's are usually very easy to win over, especially if she can see that her son/daughter is enjoying life with you. Complementing the food they've cooked or the decor of their house (amongst others) will get you far. Talking to her and asking her questions will get you bonus points - be charming.
The dad:
The stereotype is true, dad's are the hardest to win over. Why? Because we're men, we're dominant and we hate competition (well at least the "bad" kind). What you need to do is show that you're "less" than him. I'm not telling you to be a pussy, lap-dog or a pathetic, submissive coward, you need to tell him you're not trying to overtake his household, but want to be part of it.
Remember, if you make his daughter/son (especially daughter) distraught or sad, you are fucked and your own.
Good luck guys and gals!
What Girls & Guys Said
Opinion
1Opinion
The most important thing to remember is just to be yourself and to relax. They have no reason to hate you.
Unless you give them one lol
Exactly, but if they can see you care about their kid, they'll at least tolerate your existence.
I think dads are easy and moms are hard. Moms are more protective and in control of the family. Dads are usually more laid back and indifferent.
If your dating guys thats what it is like, when you are dating girls its typically what the person up there says
I agree with your take :)