MEETING the parents can be nerve-racking. You are subjected to intense scrutiny for the first time in your life. I remember back in the day when visiting someone at her house was a big deal.

You are sitting in the living room waiting for her to come out. But lo and behold! Her mom or sometimes her dad sits across from you and opens a conversation. 

In your mind, you’re thinking uh-oh, here comes an interrogation. Like what a suspect in a murder investigation is subjected to. 

Don’t worry. It just feels that way, but it’s pretty standard stuff. Parents are naturally protective, so expect to get probed like the first lunar landing. 

Kidding aside, if you are serious about this girl, your effort to woo her parents allows you to move from just a guy she’s seeing to a potential long-term relationship. 

Look the part

First impressions, unfortunately, count. They may not last, but it sets the tone for the possibility of them liking you from the get-go. You can’t take away certain biases and be judged based on how you present yourself. 

It may be superficial, but it’s human nature. Besides, it also shows them that you care enough to make an effort to look presentable. 

Look dapper. Comb your hair. Put on some cologne. Make sure you don’t have anything in your teeth. Smile. To help you, just feel happy to be there. 

Be courteous

Sometimes it could be a generational thing or the environment you grew up in that makes one have the decency to be polite or to say a proper greeting when meeting someone. 

When a parent or an older relative comes out and sees you, stand up and greet them with the appropriate salutations. Good morning ma’am or sir is proper and goes a long way. 

Appeal to their need to feel safe

Remember, they don’t know you from Adam, so the assumption is you will pillage the village and take their daughter away from them. When asked where you are going, be clear and volunteer enough information you think is needed for them to feel secure around you. 

If you are taking her to a restaurant, tell the parents something nice about it or ask them if they’ve been there. If they have, ask them what they most enjoyed or if they like the place.

Be attentive and engage

If you appear aloof and awkward, there is no chance they will feel confident about you dating their daughter. You may be shy and are not used to having conversations with older people but see this as an opportunity to improve yourself. 

Knowing how to speak to people can work wonders for her, not only with her parents but in life in general. 

The secret to this is to listen and respond. Pay attention to what the parents are saying and ask if you don’t understand. Ask about some details you find interesting to engage them further. 

That is being present and being in the moment with people. Keep your phone on mute and avoid using it when they are speaking to you or if you are in their presence. 

Respect their rules

It’s easy to act like a rebel, not care and do what you want. But we’ve been there and done that. Yes, it makes you feel like a badass, but trouble usually follows that mentality. 

Being a gentleman is so underrated. I think that is the epitome of cool. To be able to look her dad in the eye and say, don’t worry, sir I will bring her home by midnight, or I got this; I will make sure she calls you when we get there. 

Respecting their rules is showing respect. But of course, you can’t help it. Sometimes you and your girlfriend want to do something crazy but be responsible enough to know the limitations. 

It is always good to put yourself in one’s shoes to understand why and where they are coming from. It’s the only way to gain anyone’s favor.

So do these things deserve her parents’ trust. That way, by doing so, you can become the man she fully deserves.

📸 Netflix: Meet The Parents movie