Meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time isn’t always the smoothest encounter. You’re nervous, you’re anxious and you’re restless. You wonder about what they will say about you and whether they will approve of you. Most of all, you worry about how their thoughts about you will influence the way your girlfriend feels about you. Listen, stop worrying. These are the people who raised her to make the right decisions and she chose you. Obviously, there is something in you that she likes that her parents will appreciate. Believe it or not, you’re already in a good position so all you have to do is not mess it up. Here are a few steps you should take when meeting her parents for the first time.

Dress For The Occasion

Treat meeting her parents for the first time like a first date and dress the part. The key is to dress for the occasion. You don’t want to overdress because it will be obvious that you’re trying too hard. You don’t want to “under dress” because you want to look like you have some sense. For example, if she invites you over for a family barbecue, shorts are acceptable. If you’re having dinner, a dress shirt and slacks is definitely in order. First impressions begin with appearances. Make sure you’re presentable.

Don’t Show Up Empty Handed

When you first took your girlfriend out on a date, you flexed your chivalry muscle by showing up with flowers. She was impressed that gentlemen still exist. You should give her parents that very same feeling. Show up to their home with some flowers and a bottle of wine. Don’t show up with roses, because you’re not romancing her parents. An assorted bouquet of lilies will do.  As far as the wine, don’t be cheap. Parents want what’s best for their daughters and if you can’t have her enjoy a decent bottle of wine, than maybe you can’t cut it.

Be All You Can Be…Be You

When meeting her parents for the first time, keep in mind that you’re following the same principles you would follow when going on a first date. The most important principle is to be you. Your girlfriend has fallen in love with who you are and you want her parents to fall in love with that person too. If they end up not liking you, then at least you know that they don’t like you and not someone you pretended to be. Of course, you will be a more reserved version of yourself, but don’t be afraid to show them who you are. At the end of the day, you want them to know whom their daughter has fallen in love with.

Written by: @TheilluminADY