Bring Your Boyfriend Home for the First Time
Teen girl? Ever wonder how to introduce your boyfriend to the rents, without going through the awkward motions? Yeah, I thought so.
Contents
Steps
- Ask your boyfriend if he'd like to meet your parents, and make sure that he's willing before you continue. You want to make sure he is genuinely interested in meeting them, or he will be bored, and your parents will get the wrong idea.
- Ask your parents and your boyfriend what time works best for them, and choose a day that works for everyone. Afternoon or evening is generally best, and a weekend is a good choice, because as no one should have anywhere to go, it will leave the environment more stress-free and keep both of you calm.
- Ask your parents to be ready at a certain time, and meet with your boyfriend some time before you plan on meeting. This will give you time to calm him down, remind him about anything you think is important (your father's hatred of tattoos, your mother's expensive silver collection, allergies, likes/dislikes, hobbies, etc.), and let him know that you are in this together, and that he shouldn't necessarily feel nervous, although it is normal to feel anxious.
- Knock on the door, even though it's your house, unless you and your parents planned it out differently. It will give everyone a feeling of formality.
- Greet your parents and introduce your boyfriend: 'Hi, this is _________, and I thought you should meet him.'
- You will probably sit down to talk, and you will probably act as the moderator. Point out interesting facts about anyone (except yourself), if the conversation slows down, and keep it light and flowing easily. Try to avoid subjects like long-term goals, plans for the future, and anything that would make your parents or boyfriend uncomfortable, like sex or arguments.
- When it's fairly apparent that the conversation is winding down, tell your boyfriend that it's almost time to leave. He should shake your parents' hands, tell them it was nice to meet them, and leave, not at a casual pace, but not a rushed pace either.
- Avoid kissing your boyfriend goodbye when he leaves, unless it is a quick peck on the cheek. No parent wants to see their teenage daughter locking lips with someone they might not approve of.
- Keep it short with your boyfriend if you leave with him, unless you are going on a date with him.
- Make sure to talk to your parents and boyfriend to see if everything went all right, if anyone was left with questions, and if they approve of each other.
Tips
- If your parents are strict or uptight, make sure to ask them to be gentle and nice to your boyfriend. After all, he is your boyfriend.
- Have your boyfriend dress semi-formally, so your parents don't meet him looking sloppy.
- If one of your parents is cool about it but the other is not, ask them to prep and make sure the latter is not mean or rude.
- Make sure everyone has turned off cell phones and pagers, as well as iPods and buzzers. Being interrupted is a sure-fire way for one side to get offended.
- Make sure he isn't the epitome of your parents' nightmares. If they hate tattoos and piercings, don't bring home someone covered in holes and ink.
Warnings
- Make sure to have a few topics of conversation ready, in case anyone starts feeling stressed, and you need a backup plan.
- Never bring a boyfriend home drunk, stoned, or otherwise incapacitated. No matter how cool the parents are, it will never leave a good impression.
