Meeting Her Family

Meeting the family can make or break a relationship. Whether the relatives know best or not, their opinions do count. Guys, do not make your girlfriend regret not prepping you.

First of all, make sure that you dress to impress. Going to meet someone's parents in your vintage, hole-ridden, acid-washed jeans will not get you the utmost respect. This doesn't mean wear a suit, but be presentable and dress for the venue/occasion.

Be confident. When you meet them for the first time, give them a firm handshake. Nothing says castrated male more than a limp-noodle handshake. Not to mention, when it's firm, it shows you mean business. All men-who-mean-business use the firm shake, sometimes with an additional forearm grab. If you are feeling brave, throw in a pound. If you are feeling brave and foolish, try a low-five.

Make good conversation. One of the most pivotal parts of meeting anyone - parents, girls, the president - is the conversation. If you have mastered the art of conversation, you are a deadly force just waiting to disarm parents at every turn. Use anecdotes and, most importantly, well-timed (and appropriate) jokes. Remember that the purpose you are there is to meet the family and attention focused away from direct conversation will be noted, so do not strike up a conversation with the bartender.

Finally, say farewell and be gracious. I shouldn’t have to mention this point, but I know of too many instances where a guy has “disappeared” without a goodbye and thank you. No feelings of awkwardness can justify or excuse this cowardly and low-class move, and it doesn't count if your girlfriend says goodbye on your behalf.