Everything I Learnt About Men I Learnt From TV

Part One, Family Relationships 

This is something that pops up quite a bit; you really like another person, you’ve spent many hours together, but now here comes the big step: meeting the parents.

This is some serious shit. No slut is gonna bring some john home to her parents, unless they’re slutty too in which case, Rock On.

But if she’s no slut, then meeting the parents is big deal, and you’ve gotta play it right. Don’t follow in the steps of the many TV males who fail miserably. The most common problems seems to be that the date gets distracted over who they are trying to impress, and thus they spend way too much time focusing on the parents. 

This is Jin’s problem on LOST. He spends most of the flash backs worrying about Sun’s father that he’s forgotten that Sun is the one he married! Dude, give it up. You’ve got the girl, now focus on her. 

But wait, you’re thinking; we just wanna make a good impression. 

That’s great, really! But don’t get confused. If you’re practicing golf ‘cause you’ve got a big game with dad on the weekend, that’s cool. If you’re worrying about how to style your hair, what clothes to wear, and what after shave dad will like best, you’re going too far. Take a breath and remember: you’re doing it for her. Or him. Whatever.

Making a good impression on the parentals isn’t that hard, if you’re doing it for the right reason. If you really like this other person and you think you’re going to be spending a lot more time with them and thus their parents, then it’s a breeze. If you’re faking it, then you shouldn’t let the relationship get this far. Put off the parents and deal with this situation first. 

But if it’s all going smoothly and you wanna impress dear ol’ ma and pa, then it’s simple. First, find out who has the biggest influence in your partners life. How many of their childhood stories start out with “mum took me here...” or “when mum and I...”? If it’s a lot, then the best bet is to go for the mother. Find out if the mother likes flowers, and what her favourite type is, by asking your date. If she’s no green thumb, then find some fake flowers. Conversation should be kept nice and simple, what do you do, you have a nice home. If all goes well, you shouldn’t be stagnant. You can look up some conversation starters online or talk about the news if you’re worried.

Come at all discussions as an equal, even if it’s something you don’t know too much about. Ask leading questions and state your opinion, don’t turn it into a butt kissing contest.

Above all, don’t do a Jin and get confused; you’re trying to keep a date not make a new one.

Comment below if you have an opinion on the matter. Or comment below if you don't!

Kathy