PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

If you’ve seen the classic Ben Stiller movie, "Meet the Parent" then you are familiar with how bad things can go wrong when it’s time to meet the family of your significant other. Many men find that it is an awkward situation, meeting their girlfriend’s father, and you should be prepared to answer some questions. Hopefully, you won’t be bombarded with an inquisition like the one hurled at Gaylord Focker, but chances are your will need to be on your toes.

First, it is important to realize that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Therefore, you should pay special attention to what you wear, how you act, and what you say on that first meeting. Dress presentably, and make sure that you treat your girlfriend, her parents, and other family members in a respectful and courteous manner. You should ask your girlfriend to fill you in on any details of importance. For example, her parents may be very liberal or ultra conservative. Finding out these details beforehand can go a long way in ensuring that the meeting goes well.

Also, you should inquire about any habits, preferences, or hobbies that the parents have as well. Though you should always remember to stay true to yourself, (don’t say that you are a golf buff if you’ve never played); you can use these tidbits of information for your advantage. As long as you are honest, you should use any similar habits, hobbies, or interests to make a lasting impression.

You should also pay special attention to where the meeting will occur. It is best to first meet your significant other’s parents on neutral ground. However, you may find that you are meeting them at their place of residence, as this is a common occurrence. Should you meet the parents in their home, be extra courteous, polite, and respectful. You may also want to watch how your partner acts and follow his or her lead. For instance, does he or she take their shoes off when entering the home? This is a common practice in some homes, and knowing little details like this ahead of time can save a lot of embarrassment later. A situation like this could instantly prove disastrous, suppose you chose to wear your oldest pair of socks, you know, the ones with the holes that give your big toe all of that extra freedom it needs. You may look foolish taking your shoes off and exposing your feet in all their glory, however keeping your shoes on (to thwart embarrassment) may seem additionally rude. So, do your best to be prepared. Practice good hygiene, dress appropriately, follow your significant other’s clues, and relax.

Finally, it is important to realize that if things don’t go as well as you planned to move on. Sometimes, parents just clash with the love interest of their child, and there is very little that you can do about it. After all, when it comes down to it, you are dating their child, not his or her parents. As long as your relationship with your partner is secure, meeting his or her parents will be fine.