Meeting someone new is thrilling. Especially if you actually end up not deciding they're a total loser in the first 10 minutes of the first date. Every now and again, that magical thing happens where learning more about a person doesn't lead to you respecting them less, liking them less, or just thinking they're a flat-out weirdo; sometimes you like them more And sparks fly and all that jazz.
Pretty soon you've had more than a few dates under your belt. Your regular boring cardio routine is replaced with sleepovers and sex marathons and before you know it, you're in a relationship!
On the hallmarks of a budding romance, and one of the most feared, is the meeting of the parents. Whether you're meeting your new sweetie's parents or you're introducing him or her to yours, it can all be rather stressful. But it can also be a great time for your lover to start feeling part of the family; provided the first meeting is done properly. Not sure how? Here are some tips to consider.
1. Don't kiss ass
If you are meeting you new sweetie's family there's no need to overdo the praise about his or her mother's amazing chicken cacciatore. While a sincere "this is wonderful!" is appreciated, anything over the top will be spotted in a minute. You'll be labeled a suck up and neither Mom nor Dad will trust you worth a darn.
Coming off as a sniveling suck-up from the get-go is a hard first impression to come back from. It'll probably be a turn-off for your sweetie as well. Speaking of him/her, if they are meeting your family, gently remind them that overly florid compliments are unnecessary. And if you see them doing it unconsciously, kindly put them in check. You're a team. Keep each other from making asses of yourselves.
2. Listen. Carefully
All but the lamest of parents will want to have a talk with their child's latest sweetie. They want to see what makes you tick, but most of all they want to tell you about the family. When the conversation rolls this way, pay attention.
If they are mentioning how their family loves to spend summers in Virginia Beach, remember that. Maybe next time you see one of the parents, you might have just happened to write down for them the name of a fabulous restaurant in Norfolk that you heard about. Remembering details of your parental conversations and applying them to future interactions makes you come off as considerate, attentive and interested; which are all things that parents want for their kid's mate.
3. Don't move too fast
The timing of this meeting is crucial. All parents will automatically assume that if you bring someone to meet them than this person is important to you and plays a significant role in your life. If that's not the case and you suspect your family is going to behave in a manner that is not in keeping with your new sweetie's importance to you, then you need to delay having him or her meet your family.
4. Be yourself, just better
You hear the same thing about a first date that you do about the first meeting with the parents. "Just be yourself". And it's good advice but it should come with a caveat. You have to know where to draw the line. Obviously you should never lie or misrepresent yourself, but it's not necessary to let it all hang out either.
There's nothing wrong with talking about your summer in the Bahamas. However, you don't need to go so far as to tell them you went because you dropped out of school after you met that charming Bahamian bartender. Be honest, but be astute. Figure out what will show you in the most positive light, and what doesn't.
Pretty soon you've had more than a few dates under your belt. Your regular boring cardio routine is replaced with sleepovers and sex marathons and before you know it, you're in a relationship!
On the hallmarks of a budding romance, and one of the most feared, is the meeting of the parents. Whether you're meeting your new sweetie's parents or you're introducing him or her to yours, it can all be rather stressful. But it can also be a great time for your lover to start feeling part of the family; provided the first meeting is done properly. Not sure how? Here are some tips to consider.
1. Don't kiss ass
If you are meeting you new sweetie's family there's no need to overdo the praise about his or her mother's amazing chicken cacciatore. While a sincere "this is wonderful!" is appreciated, anything over the top will be spotted in a minute. You'll be labeled a suck up and neither Mom nor Dad will trust you worth a darn.
Coming off as a sniveling suck-up from the get-go is a hard first impression to come back from. It'll probably be a turn-off for your sweetie as well. Speaking of him/her, if they are meeting your family, gently remind them that overly florid compliments are unnecessary. And if you see them doing it unconsciously, kindly put them in check. You're a team. Keep each other from making asses of yourselves.
2. Listen. Carefully
All but the lamest of parents will want to have a talk with their child's latest sweetie. They want to see what makes you tick, but most of all they want to tell you about the family. When the conversation rolls this way, pay attention.
If they are mentioning how their family loves to spend summers in Virginia Beach, remember that. Maybe next time you see one of the parents, you might have just happened to write down for them the name of a fabulous restaurant in Norfolk that you heard about. Remembering details of your parental conversations and applying them to future interactions makes you come off as considerate, attentive and interested; which are all things that parents want for their kid's mate.
3. Don't move too fast
The timing of this meeting is crucial. All parents will automatically assume that if you bring someone to meet them than this person is important to you and plays a significant role in your life. If that's not the case and you suspect your family is going to behave in a manner that is not in keeping with your new sweetie's importance to you, then you need to delay having him or her meet your family.
4. Be yourself, just better
You hear the same thing about a first date that you do about the first meeting with the parents. "Just be yourself". And it's good advice but it should come with a caveat. You have to know where to draw the line. Obviously you should never lie or misrepresent yourself, but it's not necessary to let it all hang out either.
There's nothing wrong with talking about your summer in the Bahamas. However, you don't need to go so far as to tell them you went because you dropped out of school after you met that charming Bahamian bartender. Be honest, but be astute. Figure out what will show you in the most positive light, and what doesn't.
About the Author:
This article was developed by the staff of the Datepad.com internet dating company where you can find thousands of professional dating articles.
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