How to Meet Your Girlfriend's Parents

Do your homework in advance. Every girl is different, so every girls' parents are different, with unique expectations. All of the recommendations that follow can backfire horribly if you don't consult with your girlfriend first about what her parents are like.

Find out as much as you can about the parents from your partner. What do they do for a living? Do you have any common interests? Have they been on holiday recently? Are there any subjects which are off limits? This gives you a heads up on conversation topics - and what to avoid.

Dress to impress. Going to meet someone's parents in your vintage, hole-ridden, acid-washed jeans and Che Guevara t-shirt that you got from the thrift store the other day for three dollars probably won't get you their utmost respect--unless they're very unconventional parents. This doesn't mean wear a suit - just be presentable (e.g. a polo shirt or t-shirt that doesn't spread the Communist agenda). Dress smart but casual, and make sure everything is clean, decently fitted (nothing too tight or baggy) and tidy. Get a fresh haircut and trim your nails.

Arrive on time. Don't pull up with your stereo blasting heavy metal.

Be confident when you meet them. Give the father a firm handshake.

Make good conversation. One of the most pivotal parts of meeting anyone - parents, girls, the president - is the conversation.

Treat your girl well. Be extra attentive to
your partner. Pull back her chair for her at dinner, pour her a drink, open doors for her, and all that jazz.

Be prepared for the Q & A session. There comes a time in every first meeting where you will be assaulted with questions that end only upon the submission of your manhood.

Say farewell. Shake hands, give hugs, or whatever seems appropriate. Thank them profusely for having you over and smile. This is the most relieving part of the entire parental-unit-meeting-situation, but only for the champions who have made it past the gauntlet.

Don't look back. Once you exit the door, it is imperative not to look back - because you know darn well that her parents are watching until you are out of sight. When you reach your car, be certain to unlock her door first, and open it for her. Turn around and flash her parents a smile while you close the door if you are feeling dangerous.


If you're eating at their house, compliment the food.

If your girlfriend has a curfew, bring her home a little bit early. That shows her parents that you respect their boundaries. After arriving early a few times, you will be amazed when you hear from the parents, "Stay out as long as you want. We know that our daughter is in good hands."

Remember that the parents want to like you, but they don't want their princess to be dating a jackass any more than you want to appear to be one. With this in mind, they may well be just as nervous as you are. Put them at ease by showing them what a charming, friendly person you are.

Remember, the top of their list will be that their daughter is happy, you've already done that, so that's half the battle already won!

Always show gratitude.

In most homes, it is considered impolite to growl at the family dog.

Don't let the charm stop there! Treat your date with the same respect that you gave to her parents upon meeting them.

It is impolite and disgusting to chew with your mouth open.

Bring a small gift if you're meeting them for a special occasion (e.g. wine or chocolates for a dinner).
If you guys are visiting don't sleep in the same room, unless you are engaged or have been together for a very long time.


Be especially careful if you're dealing with devoutly religious parents. You will be asked about your religious views, and perhaps be drawn into a debate. Add How to Avoid Uncomfortable Conversations About

Religion to your pre-meeting reading list.

Don't overdo it -- people can tell when you're being fake.

Don't embellish your job title. You're an IT programmer - and not a research scientist, information architect, security engineer, etc.

If her parents don't swear, don't do it, or else they might think less of you.

Don't smoke around your girlfriend either. Most girls are seriously turned off by this, and you probably won't get a second date if you are constantly excusing yourself to have a smoke.

If you are a smoker do not smoke around the parents or even say that you do it. Even if they smoke themselves it is something definitely not to do while in their presence as they will frown upon you.