To help you get over these nerves and help you feel prepared, we’ve compiled some tips to help you get through your first meeting with your partner’s parents. As long as you do these things, I’m sure your meeting with the parents should go just fine.
When Should You Meet The Parents? Not Too Early…
Even if you’re excited about your man, it’s never a good idea to meet the parents too early. If you’re still in the first month or two of your relationship, this is usually too early to start meeting each other’s parents. If your partner lives with them of course, that’s a different story. But if not, it may be best for your relationship to mature some more before you take this step.
Meeting his parents should only happen when you feel you have a potential future with this man. If you don’t think this relationship is going to last past the next couple of months of he’s just a ‘now’ man, then why go through the process of being introduced to his mum and dad? Seeing his folks once and then never seeing them again is a waste of everyone’s time, so make sure you’re serious before you go down this road.
Relax And Be Yourself
The first thing you should remember when meeting the parents for the first time, is you should relax and be yourself. Not I’m not saying you should be so relaxed that you turn up in your sweat pants and go and lie on their couch, be be relaxed enough to actually be able to enjoy the day.
You should go their with the mentality that you’re just going to have a nice day out with your boyfriend and some people he knows. Don’t worry about impressing them, just be yourself. If they want the best for their son, I’m sure his parents will be impressed with you any way. You have made their son happy, so much so that he wants to share you with them. They should approve of you just by knowing this.
Don’t go in with a specific game plan, just talk to his parents like you would any other person you respect. You can let things flow from there.
Should You Bring A Gift When Meeting The Parents?
If you’re going to his parent’s house for the first time, it’s often a good idea to bring a small gift for the occasion. Something like a bottle of wine to go with the dinner, or a box of chocolates to that can either be eaten after dinner or in their own time.
If you’re going out for this meeting, a gift is not usually necessary.
If you’re meeting at yours or your boyfriend’s house, you helping with the food and making them feel welcome is usually gift enough.
Unless you’re going to his mum and his dad’s house, gifts aren’t usually necessary. If they’re coming to your house in fact, they may actually bring you a gift.
What Should You Wear For This Occasion?
What you wear for your parent meeting adventure will really depend on what you’re going to be doing. Are you having a dinner at one of your houses? Are you going out to eat? Will you be doing some kind of activity?
Going smart casual is always a good idea, unless you’re going to be active that is. Smart trousers with a t shirt or jumper will always go down well, no matter where you’re going. If you’re going out for something to eat however, you may want to wear a dress if you feel his parents will be dressing up as well.
It’s a good idea to ask your boyfriend what he feels his parents will be wearing, and match that level of dressing up. You don’t want to over dress if they’re going to turn up in their casual wear, so doing some research on this is recommended.
What Should You Talk About When You’re There?
While it’s always best to let conversation flow naturally, it’s often a good idea to go in with an idea of what his parent’s interests are. These can be great ice breakers, and allow you some time to get a bit more knowledgeable about the subject. If their interest isn’t something you know much about, this can still be a good thing. You could always bring it up, but let them know you don’t know much about the subject. If they’re enthusiastic about this subject, they’ll most likely go on to clue you up with what it all involves.
You should make sure the conversation is both give and take. Sometimes you’re letting them know about you, other times you’re listening to and getting to know them better. Two way conversation is best way to get to know the parents, and the best way for them to get to know you.
Meeting The Parents For The First Time Conclusion
Meeting his mum and dad doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you get there, you’ll probably go on to have a very good time. Your boyfriend has decided to show you off to his parents, a good sign that he is serious about being with you.
Take this as reaching a new stage of your relationship, and go and meet the people that raised such a wonderful son. This all counts towards getting to know each other better, and will help you grow closer in your relationship. Good luck with meeting the parents, I hope it goes well.