How to....Impress your Boyfriend/Girlfriend's Parents

Here is how to impress the future In-Laws:

Suggestion #1:  Dress to Impress. Go through your closet and do not immediately go to the same outfit you wear every day. Go for the button up and a tie or the new dress for girls. Reach for the new cologne or perfume. Appear put together and confident despite the fact that you are extremely nervous.

Rule #2: Politeness and respect are key. Say yes sir and no ma’am, please and thank you. Be complimentary of any food that you did not prepare yourself. For girls maybe even offer to help wash the dishes after dinner if you really want some extra brownie points. This shows them the housewife potential. For guys even the offer to help will get you in good terms because this shows them responsibility. Moreover, when the wacky family traditions surface just go with it! Participating in such activities is a good thing because it means that they are accepting you into the family.

Suggestion #3: JUST FOR THE GUYS! When the overprotective father goes in for the kill with his condescending man-to-man speech….Do Not Freak Out (Refer to Rule #7)! Be attentive and open to what he is saying but do not appear weak or scared. Hold your ground and know that it will be over soon.

Rule #4: JUST FOR THE GIRLS! You are dating mama’s little boy…this will never change. Unlike a father, a mother takes a sneakier approach to sizing you up. Testing your cooking and baking skills might occur but always remember that mom’s cooking always wins and no matter if you are Paula Dean in the kitchen you learned it all from her or your own mother. She will secretly admire the fact that you can cook and she knows you will be able to feed her boy. The way you act around her son plays a huge factor. Be loving but not affectionate. Help him but do not coddle…that is her job. She will test your knowledge on her son with things such as, “Did you know when he was 5…?” or “He has the cutest little birthmark on his back doesn’t he?”. While these come off as unthreatening questions, you had better believe that they have a purpose and kindly let her know (refer to Rule #2)  that you know all of these things for this will show is trust in you and get mama on your side.  As long as Mom does not feel threatened in her position, everything will be good to go. She just needs to know that you are able to take care of her boy but not so much that he does not need his mom anymore.

Rule #5: Keep the PDA to a minimal. A kiss here and there will not be damaging but a full-blown make-out session might lead the parents to believe you are a slut or a bad boy. Holding hands is acceptable but it is best to keep them visible at all times.

Rule #6: Be yourself! They do not want to know the person you think they want you to be. The parents want to know who you really are. So that from there they can decide if you are indeed a good match for their child. If you do all of these things and just be yourself it is out of your own control what happens from there.

Suggestion #7: Keep Calm and Carry On!