Dating101

Meeting the parents is a big step.

You're nervous. You're hoping his/her parents like you. You're hoping it is nothing like "Meet the Fockers."

Now your worst nightmare happens: the parents don't like you and they have no qualms about showing it. So, what can you do?

Here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Understand where they are coming from. The parents may feel protective of their son/daughter and here you come intruding on their turf. Or, perhaps they are jealous and worried you are going to replace them. Then again it could be that you come from a different background and are afraid you'll have a negative influence on their child. If this is the case show them there is no reason to be jealous by asking for advice concerning their child or show an interest in their background. In time they won't see you as intruding on their turf which will help reduce that initial protective feeling.

2. Don't try to be besties. You goal should not be the parents' new BFF, but rather that you are a good person. If you try too hard it may come off as fake, after all you just met them, they may be your man's or girl's parents, but to you they are strangers. So, go with the mindset they are your equals so it will be easier to be yourself but they aren't your BFF.

3. Make them realize you care. Parents want what's best for their son/daughter so, naturally, they don't want you to break his/her heart. Plus, they don't want put forth the engery getting to know you if they think it will end quickly. You need to show them you care about their son/daughter. Here are some suggestions: hold hands (easy enough), kiss his cheek, or share a story (good, happy, and appropriate ones only!) that highlights how much he means to you or how happy he makes you.

4. Last option. If none of the above worked don't give up - stick up for yourself! If you worked so hard and there is no changing their opinion, you can at least make them respect you for not rolling over and playing dead for them. Plus you don't want esculating problems if this relationship becomes serious.

Information from Cosmopolitan.com, then stylized by B & L.