MadameA

Make a good impression on your significant other's family

Nobody likes having to sell themselves. But in certain situations, it's a must-do - like when you're first meeting a significant other's family. Now's not the time to try a spiky new hairdo or wear that sequined get-up you just bought from Forever 21. Now is the time to stay calm, be polite and dress to impress. Read on for our tips on how to make a to-die-for impression on your new flame's family!

Memorize their names

Find out who you'll be meeting and memorize their names in advance. It's incredibly humiliating to call an aunt "Betty" instead of "Veronica," so ensure that it doesn't happen by knowing who will be there and how they're related. If your memory skills aren't up to snuff, or if there will be too many people present to possibly remember everyone, at least memorize the names of the core four - the four most important relatives in your S.O.'s inner circle.

Dress to impress 

Ask your lovah beforehand for details about the event you're attending. Is it a late supper at a fancy restaurant? Sandwiches at his parents' house? Brunch at a diner? Have him/her be as specific as possible, and get his/her feedback on the outfit you have in mind. Don't let your lover get away with using subjective terms like "casual" or "dressy." If your mate tells you to wear a suit, don't holler and howl. Just shut up, wear it and suck it up.

Punctuality is key

There is no worse time to run out of gas than on your way to your S.O.'s parents' house for Christmas dinner. It's embarrassing and disrespectful; don't let it happen. Fill up the tank the day before; allot yourself enough time to shower and prep. If you're one of those girls who take hours to get ready, lay out your clothes the night before if it helps. Whatever; just don't be late. If you are late, call as soon as you can to let them know when to expect you. Apologize; be gracious, but don't cry or freak out. It ain't a time for drama.

Embrace bribery

Nothing says "I respect you; I want to be here" like bringing a little gift. It needn't be fancy; chocolates, flowers, a bottle of wine or a box of exotic tea are generally safe options. Check with your partner first, though, to be sure there are no family diet or health issues you're unaware of. It would suck to bring a bottle of wine to a family brunch where the whole family was nondrinkers, wouldn't it?

Flattery gets you everywhere

Make it clear how much you dig your mate. Talk him or her up like there's no tomorrow - it makes him/her feel good, makes you look good and makes the family love you. Try recalling the story of where you met, or how you knew s/he was "the one" (provided, of course, that s/he is the one.)  Or you just freestyle it; gush about his sensitive nature, her kind heart, his generosity... you get the picture. Be honest, though, and don't overdo it. Nobody likes a brownnoser. 

Avoid sensitive subjects

This means no religious talk, no political debate, no professing the pitfalls of racial identity, no espousing the finer points of feminist action... You get the picture. We're not suggesting that you sit there silently if your date's mom asks you, point blank, whether you go to church on Sundays. Obviously, you should answer as honestly as possible, but keep it short and to the point. Don't let yourself be dragged into arguments or debates; steer the conversation clear of pitfalls by smoothly changing the subject when you're asked something tricky or uncomfortable. You can always try turning the question around on the asker - follow up your answer with "what about you?" or "what do you think?" or "do you agree?"