Meeting the Parents

Its hard to have a blog giving advice and sharing stories on the opposite sex and not discuss one of the most important facets to any relationship: meeting the parents. Now, in just about every imaginable case, the first introduction to your babe's parents is a bit intimidating. There is a reason why society has painted it in movies like Meet the Parents as a total disaster, and its popularity (see the several sequels) is obvious. As a culture we love melodrama, and to watch a young man crumble staring into the unforgiving eyes of his girlfriend's father is fairly humorous. The key is to not let yourself be in that situation. You want to be confident and charismatic, yet restrained. Stay within yourself, and don't let the conversation become bigger than what you are comfortable with. Obviously, many questions will be thrown at you in a short period, and while its important to answer all of them, learn to deflect them. For example, find something that you can easily talk about with the father. I usually try to center the conversation around sports since I am well versed in that topic, but it can really be about any common subject. If done successfully, everything will become easier, and more relaxed. It will feel less like a business interview and more like an actual conversation.

I always find that once this particular skill is mastered, the rest is easy. Capturing the father's attention is the vital piece. The next step is to work on the mother. Now this is where I, in my humble opinion, work my charm. What I have found to be most important is observation. Take in your surroundings, and comment on them when necessary. Women love details, and a simple observation on a fixture in the house, or a bouquet of flowers sitting on the table, will make this woman realize exactly all the qualities that endear you to her daughter. If you are really feeling confident, a little mild flirting, isn't completely uncalled for either. Of course it isn't intended to be sexual in any way, but a simple line relating one of the mother's qualities to her daughter, is an easy way to grab attention.

Listen guys, it isn't easy. There will be nerves, you will be anxious. Unfortunately, these things are unavoidable, but if you handle yourself well, they will quickly dissipate. Relate yourself to the father, and be charming with the mother. The relationship with the parents is one that is always in flux, and must be handled accordingly. Stay on your game, and don't lose focus. If you want the girl, her parents must be in your court.