Meeting the Parents is All About the First Impression

Are you suffering from dry mouth, sweaty palms or queasiness? These may be symptoms of an anxiety attack, but "meeting-the-parents syndrome" can also cause them.

In a serious relationship, meeting the parents of your significant other is bound to happen and people often worry about how to act, what to say and how soon they should meet them.

Relationship expert, author and Fox News guest, Dr. Darshana Hawks (known as Dr. Dar), surfaces the key to not only having a good meeting with your significant other's parents, but also leaving a "healthy" first impression. Dr. Dar stated that even though meeting the parents is a huge step in a relationship, it is important to remember that the parents of your partner are no different than any other people you have met in your lifetime, so just be yourself. Dr. Dar stressed the importance of not putting on any "false airs," or false impressions during the meeting. It is important to steer clear from topics that may be too controversial or emotionally charged issues. Dr. Dar repeatedly encourages people to be themselves when meeting their partner's parents because if your partner has already approved of your personality and character traits, don't be afraid to let the real you shine through.

Darius Thomas, freshman speech pathology major, believes that in order to make a good impression on parents, one must be oneself. "Parents know when the other mate is being fake. Parents love a real man so I [would] keep it as real with them as possible. I would act like a true gentleman," he said. Thomas also said he would not be "too casual [or] disrespectful."

Some people believe that meeting the parents at the beginning of a relationship is key to its longevity. Jazmin Ryle, freshman graphic design major, said, "I think a good time to meet the parents is when the relationship is stable and towards the beginning, so if a problem arises you'll have them to talk to." 

Ryle also believes in being oneself when meeting the parents. "I would tell them how amazing their son was, when, if, and how he got on my nerves, and the good things I'm doing with my life, [but] I wouldn't tell them anything too personal," Ryle stated.

The next time you have the jitters about meeting the parents, take a deep breath and remember Dr. Dar's advice.