by Tamara Brown

Created on: June 25, 2009

Meeting a new dating partner's parents can make you feel like Daniel entering the lion's den. The prayer, "please let me get out of this alive," is pretty much the same. However, there are ways to tame the lions and end up their favorite friend, instead of their favorite snack.

Meet at a neutral location. When it is decided that it is time to meet the parents, suggest taking them out to dinner. People tend to be on their best behavior in public places and no one will need to feel the need to defend their home turf. If you do invite them out to dinner, plan on picking up the check for the evening as a nice gesture.

Shake hands and make eye contact. Whether you are a man or a woman, a firm handshake and eye contact is a universal way to show confidence and to demand respect.

Be polite to everyone, whether it is your girlfriend or boyfriend, the parents, the waiter or the bus boy. How you treat those around you is an important part of a first impression. It tells your partner's parents how you will treat their child in this relationship.

Be yourself, within reason. Pretending to be an avid golf lover will most likely end up biting you in the backside, most likely somewhere near the first tee. Being disingenuous is a red flag to most parents, because they will wonder what else you are lying about. However, that doesn't mean that you have to share every last detail about yourself at your first meeting. Past jail time, ex-wives or tattoos, for example is information better left until later. Avoid talking about politics or religion as well unless you are sure that they will agree with you.

Relax. Like lions, they can sense fear. Well, maybe not literally, but if you are uncomfortable, they will sense it and will feel uncomfortable themselves. They may even wonder what it is that you are scared of. Just relax and concentrate on showing the parents how much you care about their son or daughter. This is the most important thing you can do. All they really care about is how you will treat their precious child.

Now, what if you do all this, and they still don't like you? Unfortunately, while the majority of parents care most about the happiness of their child, some are more concerned about your race, your religion, your job, your education or even your social class. If that is the case, it is your job to continue to be polite at all times. You don't have to allow yourself to be treated poorly, but never return bad behavior. In the end, while it would be wonderful to have them on your side, the only person you truly need is the one you love and loves you back.

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