Dating

It can be a pretty nerve-wracking experience to meet the parents for the first time, especially if you overreact about the situation. Whether you’re meeting them at a party or at a small, more personal setting it’s important to make a good impression.

Freaking out will get you nowhere. The only thing that you’ll get out of it is sweaty palms, a headache and a strange demeanor.

First of all, dress appropriately. Cover up your assets and look presentable. Don’t have your clothes be stained or wrinkled and have them fit well. Avoid wearing silk because it can pick up the smallest amount of perspiration and avoid leather with can come off intimidating to certain people. Stick to cotton fabrics. I don’t think I need to tell you that tacky sayings or images shouldn’t be worn. Brush your hair and if you’re a female, throw on a bit of makeup.

Forget the worry. If you’re concentrating on how you look, if they like you, if your makeup is running or if you forgot to turn the stove off you’re going to seem disinterested. Focus on the parents and what they’re saying, not anything else.

Leave the alcohol alone. If you want some, drink a little. If you drink too much, you’ll look irresponsible, like a lush and utterly ridiculous.

Pick up a gift with your significant other, not by yourself. He or she knows their parents better than you do. You don’t want to pick up a box of regular chocolates if his or her father is a diabetic. Also, make the gift simple but classy. You can’t buy the parents. Impress them with your personality instead.

Don’t brag about yourself. You already have brownie points because their child is dating you. Answer honestly without sounding like you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread. Also, ask questions of the parents without seeming like you’re digging around for information. For example, if they say that they recently went to the Bahamas, say “I’ve never been there. What is it like?”

Compliment something. Tell them that the cooking was wonderful or that the house is gorgeous. If you leave without complimenting anything you’ll come off like you didn’t like anything at all.

Stick to safe topics. By safe I mean vacations, pets, hobbies and entertainment. Avoid topics such as politics, marriage, sports, religion, money, sex and the stupid things you did when you were a teenager.

If you try to make too much out of the situation, you’re going to blow it. Have some confidence in yourself and just be who you are.