If you want to take a relationship to the next level, eventually you will have to meet your girlfriend’s family.
Here are 8 ways to show her parents that their little girl is in good hands:
1. Host dinner
Have her family over for dinner (or brunch or lunch). You should prepare the meal, have your home clean and well decorated and be dressed nicely.
Show them that you are responsible, well-mannered and thoughtful and that you can make great conversation.
Let them into your world a little bit and they will trust you much more with their daughter/granddaughter/niece/sister.
2. Show Respect for Her
Her family, first and foremost, wants her to be happy and want to feel like she is being treated well.
Speak well of her, compliment her and show a general interest and respect for her.
Let them see that you think she is great just the way that she is and that you are not trying to change her in any way.
3. Show Respect for Them
Her family, especially her parents, will want and expect respect from you. You should show her elder family members the utmost respect.
Watch your language, make sure to dress nicely and let them see that their opinion of you is very important to you.
4. Join Her For Holidays
Of course this may not be appropriate when you are very first dating but after a few months of dating, if you two are getting serious, you should show a willingness and an eagerness to spend important events with her family.
Whether it’s holidays, birthday parties or even kids’ sporting events you should show an interest and a love for her family. This will give them a great impression and she will love it, as well.
5. Do Favors
Her family may not ask straight out but you should take opportunities to help them out. If her dad is having car trouble and you know all about mechanics then volunteer to help out.
If her little sister needs a ride to school and you are free then take the opportunity to show that you care about her family by offering to drop her off yourself.
6. Keep in Touch with Them
Call, text, e-mail and use social media to keep in contact with them. Don’t depend on her to always arrange for you guys to speak or see each other.
Check in on them if they are sick or call on their birthdays. Let them see that you are interested in being a part of the family not just *her* boyfriend.
7. Show an Interest in Their Values
Your values don’t have to be identical but you should show an interest and respect for their religious, political or other views and values. If they are churchgoers and you are not then try going one Sunday.
If they are environmentalists who work hard to conserve then try to start recycling. Even the smallest gestures will give them the feeling that you care and that you are trying to fit in.
8. Be Romantic Toward Her
Of course there is a lot of romance that her family doesn’t need to know about or see but they will love to see you be gentlemanly and respectful toward her.
Pull out chairs, open doors, compliment her beauty and her brains. They will be so excited to see that she is with someone who treats her well.
