by Terin Copening

Created on: July 22, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

After going through all of the clothes in your closet, redoing your hair for the millionth time, and practicing your smile so much that it hurts, you finally turn to your guy and say, "Okay, I'm ready to go." And thus begins your first lie of the evening. You're never truly ready to "meet" his family, but you realize the importance and necessity of this in the progression of your relationship. Therefore, you do your best to make it a pleasant evening.

The first thing you must realize is that you've already taken care of the important part: He loves you or at least cares very deeply about you (or else you wouldn't be meeting his parents). If you have a guy that truly loves you, he will not tolerate his family members doing anything that might make you uncomfortable. If they do hint at it or any other embarrassing avenues of conversation, he will briskly change the topic or whisk you away to safety. (Or you could chose to play this game with "the family" and see how red your can make your sweetheart turn within fifteen seconds)

The second thing you'll realize is that they're really not out to get you. They simply want to see what kind of lady their son has brought home. The questions that they ask you are not meant to interrogate you (though you will swear that they were trained by CIA operatives) but rather is an effort on their part to get to know you. So answer them with a smile on your face and throw in a few (harmless) extra details to show that you're willing to contribute.

Finally, you must give these people their props, I mean, after all, they did raise a young man that you decided was worth your time and energy. They can't be all bad. Look at the man at your side and pick out all of his good qualities. During the dinner with "the family", try and match which of his good qualities (and I do emphasize good) came from which person.

So, while you can't completely erase the shyness, do try to relax. It will only last for a few hours and you will leave in one piece. So sit up straight, smile, and speak properly. Mind your P's and Q's and all of the other etiquette techniques your mother and grandmother taught you and you'll be just fine. The good news is that this initial meeting only happens once.

Learn more about this author, Terin Copening.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.