How To Meet The Parents Successfully
Meeting the parents of your partner needn't end in disaster. See our useful advice to help you make a great impression. How to meet the parents successfully is a great video for all you nervous partners out there!
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Step 1:
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Do your research
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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.
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Step 2:
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What to wear
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You may love the 'I'm in a band' look, but your scruffy jeans and vintage T-shirt won't impress your prospective in-laws. Unless you regularly wear a suit, don't go down this route, you will look like you are trying too hard. Dress smart but casual, and make sure everything is clean and tidy.
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Step 3:
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The greeting
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Meet the parents with a smile and firm handshake for dad, and a quick kiss for mum. Follow your partners cue when addressing them, if you are just told 'This is my mum and dad' then show your respect and go with Mr. and Mrs. until they tell you otherwise. If you are introduced with first names, then stick to them.
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Step 4:
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Think positively
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Remember they want to like you. They don't want their princess to be dating a jackass any more than you want to appear like one. With this in mind they may well be just as nervous as you are. Put them at easy by showing what a charming, friendly fella you are.
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Step 5:
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Be yourself
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Don't try to impress or be someone you are not. Firstly, they will see right through it, and secondly, you will then have to keep up the pretence every time you meet them. Claiming to be a dot com millionaire when you are really in IT support will be a hard act to maintain
They want to see the person their daughter has fallen for, so relax and be yourself
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Step 6:
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Conversation
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You've done your research so you will have a few conversation openers up your sleeve. Avoid heavy or controversial subjects, this is not the time to air views on people cloning. But don't be 'Yes' man. If you are asked for your opinion give it, they will respect your confidence.
If at any point, you are stuck for conversation, ask what your partner was like as a child. This is a brilliant ploy, parents love discussing their off-springs and it shows you have a deep interest in her.
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Step 7:
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The Q and A session
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Her parents will obviously want to know a lot about you so don't be surprised if you find a lot of questions being fired your way. Don't be intimidated, as they don't mean it to be. It is just natural curiosity to finding out more about the person their daughter loves.
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Step 8:
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Treat your girl well
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This is the most important step. Be extra attentive to your partner. If they see you treating their daughter like the princess they believe her to be. Combined with being on your best behaviour at all times and you are on to a winner.