You’ve seen the Hollywood Meet the Parents, right? It’s one of the most cringe-worthy movies of all time and is every guy’s worst nightmare! While things in real life aren’t likely to go as badly as they’re presented in the movie, it’s still a lot easier than you think to make a fool of yourself when you’re meeting the parents. To help you out, here are some top tips that can help you in impressing her Asian parents.
Be as formal as possible
In many western cultures, it’s perfectly acceptable to call your girlfriend’s parents by their first names. This is an absolute no-no in most Asian cultures. Always go with Mr & Mrs and be as formal as you can during your initial exchanges. As the conversation develops, they might invite you to call them by a different name, but don’t get too familiar without their approval, as it’s a sign of disrespect.
Don’t touch their daughter in front of them!
This is one way of impressing her Asian parents to the fullest. Even if you and your girlfriend are a touchy-feely couple, don’t hold her hand, stroke her hair, or rest your hand on her leg in front of her parents. This is one of the worst things you can do and will likely infuriate her parents. There’s no reason to touch your girlfriend when you’re in front of her parents, so keep your hands to yourself!
Be prepared to answer their questions
If your girlfriend’s parents start asking you some pretty serious questions about your life and future prospects, be prepared to answer them. If you avoid the questions or give far from convincing answers, it won’t look good. After all, her parents are working out whether you’re a good fit for their daughter, so you need to persuade them that you’re the ideal guy!
Bring along a gift
Ask your girlfriend what your parents like and pick up something small but meaningful before you meet them. This token gesture shows that you’re keen to make a good first impression and highlights the fact that you’re serious about dating their daughter. While it doesn’t have to be expensive, make sure it’s something that is suitable and that they will appreciate.
Lay off the alcohol
If you’re invited for a meal at your girlfriend’s parents’ home, and they offer you a glass of wine with your meal, by all means, imbibe. However, if you’re out at a restaurant or meeting elsewhere, it’s best to lay off the alcohol during your first meetings. The main reason for this is that you don’t want to give off the wrong first impression. And at the end of the day, you can surely go for one meal without a beer or glass of wine, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to stay sober for the duration of the meeting!
Meeting your girlfriend’s parents is a huge step in your relationship, and you only get one chance at a first impression. By following the tips introduced above, you will ensure that you’re impressing her Asian parents, and you can hopefully lay the foundations for a successful future relationship with your girlfriend.
