Among the most stressful milestones with any couple, particularly for the man, is the point where it’s time to meet the parents. Depending on the relationship, impressing the parents can prove a vital component in moving on to a more serious stage. A woman with this type of bond with her parents will appreciate a man’s efforts in winning over their approval. The idea is not to show the amount of stress this places on you.
Tips When Meeting A Girlfriend’s Parents
In some relationships, it can be particularly stressful for men to meet a girlfriend’s parents, especially dad. No one is ever good enough for a father’s little girl. The notion puts a lot of pressure on the boyfriend, but most are willing participants if it makes the girlfriend happy and allows the couple to progress to the next level. One thing to remember no matter how much your significant other bulks, gifts for girlfriend’s parents are a must. This show appreciation for their having you to their home, respect, and manners.
- It will be challenging but particularly essential to impress the father and gain his respect. In doing so, you want to present the very best version of yourself to him and his wife. That would not only include a jacket with a pressed shirt and slacks but a fresh haircut and shave. It needs to appear that you did prepare to meet them. The idea that you took the time to make a good impression lets them see that you care for their daughter enough to want to gain their approval.
- In bringing a gift, it’s vital to do a little research before you make a selection. Bringing a bottle of alcohol may hit a sour note if mom and dad don’t drink; however, if they enjoy a nice bottle of wine, this may be the ideal gift for them. You don’t want what you choose to dictate the opinion that they form of you. Allow your girlfriend to help you with choosing something subtle but thoughtful.
- A father is not going to appreciate seeing an evening of PDA between the two of you. Parents understand when a relationship reaches the level to where its time to meet them that the two of you have strong feelings for each other. But that doesn’t mean they need to see the affection that you share while visiting them. There are a time and place for intimacy, but it’s not when you’re trying to get her father to like you. Holding hands will show the appropriate level of love and affection without upsetting the balance. Find out lessons learned from first meetings at Medium.com.
- Ask open-ended questions and engage in healthy, intelligent conversation. Let the mother and father know that you have opinions and what your beliefs are without being overbearing. You don’t want to argue or debate with them. But in the same breath you want to share how you feel, so they can truly get to know who you are. You may not agree or even respect how dad feels on specific subjects, but you don’t have to. As long as you know you won’t be straying from the choices you make, dad can feel any way he chooses. No one is wrong, merely different.
- When things seem to be tough with dad, work harder on getting on mom’s good side. It may take more time and effort to warm up with dad. And in many cases, if a girl’s mother likes the boyfriend, she will help the couple get in dad’s favor. Generally, the father is merely having a difficult time letting go of his daughter. It’s not necessarily that he doesn’t like you or have respect for you. He may have no feelings for you one way or the other. It’s a matter of keeping his little girl, little.
Some stress is inevitable, and mom and dad will expect that. If there’s no evidence of pressure with the boyfriend, they may see this as a lack of caring. Follow this for steps to take with your initial impression.
You will be nervous because your significant other is among the most meaningful people in your life. Just maintain your sense of self.
