Take It Easy: Making the First Meeting With His Parents Perfect

When it comes to the most stressful situations in life, interviews are considered to be one of the most stress-inducing occurrences in our modern culture. They literally mean the difference between getting a job and not getting a job. This job may decide where you go in life - where you live, your economic status, when you decide to have kids - we’re really pulling out the big guns here. 

But what if the interview is for being the right type of girlfriend for your special someone? We have some news for you - you already aced it. There is no one who can tell you that you’re the right person for the job other than your boyfriend or girlfriend. But other people can sure as hell change the atmosphere and “vibe” right from the get-go - their parents. 

Here are some tips for creative first meetings - trying to keep it safe, socially distanced, and as un-awkward as possible.

If you have invited your significant other’s parents to dinner, things can go south very quickly. If you have, we’re assuming that you know what you’re doing, and you feel confident in your skills. Or maybe you want to keep it personal and still try to social distance - away from busy restaurants, in a cozy atmosphere. 

Perhaps the best solution is an outdoor meal - especially if the weather is good for a fall bbq or if you can get a gas heater or a fire pit out into your yard. We checked with Outdoor Cooking Pros  - because hey - they’re pros of outside get-togethers, and we were curious if we could find some helpful ideas for making people feel comfortable (and impressed) at an outdoor dinner. 

The thing we loved the most is that you can actually find a small outdoor stove and fit it onto your patio - because let’s face it - not all of us have the dining perfect back yard to boast of, and we won’t have the space needed to prepare a full outdoor kitchen. Another idea that we got from them is an outdoor pizza oven - which, if you have space and the culinary chutzpah, is a great idea no matter what. If you’re aiming for a fun-filled family atmosphere, a pizza oven is not only a great conversation starter, but a great way to talk about the meal, what you like, and let your guests be a part of the preparation. 

Unless, of course, the parents are older and/or extremely conservative - in this case, we recommend a traditional sit-down dinner with a twist. In order not to stress out, order some stuff ahead of time, or prepare it way ahead. You don’t want to be running around tending to a dish that requires a babysitter while mid-conversation with your significant other’s father. 

Some great first-meeting food ideas:

Before creating the whole menu and planning your day carefully, it’s time for a serious talk with your significant other. It’s 2020 we date people from all sorts of different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. You may think you know your love, but it might turn out that you both exist in a modern fairy tale when their parents show up. 

You should know as much about their culture as you can. Are there taboos? If you are going to feed them, are there any definite no-nos associated with food? Your partner might not even think about these things, but it’s important to keep in mind that there might be some things they’re not telling you. 

For example, in Japan, it’s not customary to meet your girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s parents until it’s very late in the relationship. If you don’t know this, and you’re about to be introduced, this might create a lot of tension - and you might not even know what’s going on! Even if you don’t actually LIVE in Japan, your significant other’s parents might expect them to be mindful of their traditions and heritage. 

Some cultures see taking shoes off at the entrance as normal. While it’s not done in most American homes, taking your shoes off can be seen as a sign of respect and a gentle reminder that you’re not just “barging in.” 

Heck, there might even be cultural differences between people who live on the East Coast and those who are used to the warm-and-fuzzy West Coast!

If you are visiting your potential future in-laws (too soon?), you might want to think about bringing a gift. No, it’s not a bribe, although it might have a similar effect. It’s usually in good taste to bring a ‘hostess gift’ for anyone who is hosting a dinner party, and we’re adults - come with a bottle of your favorite wine (ask about bringing alcohol first!), a tasteful bouquet of flowers, or even a pie for dessert. We guarantee that if you do your research, it will have a soothing effect on your hosts. After all, they’re nervous about meeting you as well, and small, thoughtful presents can be great ice-breakers. 

Once again, this is a good time for communicating with your significant other. Being underdressed or overdressed can make a person feel extremely uncomfortable, so it’s important to establish the mood first. If you’re the host or if you’re meeting at a restaurant, you don’t have to worry about it as much. But if you’re visiting someone, this is crucial information. 

Be yourself! After all, you already won the most important prize - their parents, if the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, are bound to like you too. And if the apple did fall far - remember that they have no power over your relationship.