The office holiday party season is upon us, so there’s no better time to think about what happens when your romantic partner has to meet your business partners for the first time. We like to think that our business and personal lives are two completely separate animals, but that’s not entirely true. Many companies hold holiday parties or company picnics that require the presence of your significant other. Sometimes there are even more intimate events that call for bringing your mate along, like a dinner party at your coworker’s home. Once your office mates have met your S.O. a few times, it won’t seem like such a big deal. The first time you bring him or her along, though, it can be pretty stressful. If your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse makes a bad impression on your coworkers, that can reflect rather poorly upon you. That’s why it’s a good idea to sit down a few days before the impending event and talk things through with your significant other.

The first thing you should discuss is your company’s culture. Every company has an attitude and atmosphere all its own, and the way your coworkers behave at an office party may vary wildly from the way your mate’s coworkers act. If your partner is used to wild, drunken parties with his fellow staffers, he may make more than a few faux pas at your job’s much stodgier event. Of course, even if your office events are typically very Bacchanalian, you and your mate should both make an effort to avoid total drunkenness. Being in control of you behavior will keep you both from doing or saying anything embarrassing. The last thing you want is for your spouse to get hammered and then let slip that terrible nickname you have for your domineering boss.

During your talk, you should cover everything, from the amount of food and drink that’s typically consumed at your office’s parties to the dress code. If there will only be some small munchies and a lot of alcohol, your S.O. might want to eat something more substantial beforehand. That will help prevent him or her from getting too tipsy. If the party is a dressy affair, and your mate will be coming from casual day at their office, make sure they know to change into something more appropriate before they get there. You can’t use your party as an excuse to get your guy to finally shave off that beard you secretly hate. However, you should feel free to request that he trims it neatly, particularly if you work in a more buttoned up environment. Guys in a similar situation should feel free to ask that their girlfriends dress a little more conservatively and perhaps forgo their neon green nail polish on party day. You should also go over any quirks that your coworkers or boss have. If your boss is a lifelong conservative, you should advise your liberal girlfriend to keep politics out of her conversation with him. If one of your coworkers is particularly shy or antisocial, warn your boyfriend so he’s not caught off guard when interacting with her.

While discussing dress code, typical party behavior and more, give your S.O. lots of reassurance. Make sure that your partner knows you’re not trying to stifle their individuality, and that you’re not embarrassed by them. You should also be sure to point out what a favor they’re doing for you. Tell them how much it means to you that they’re working with you to make such a good impression. When it’s your turn to be in their shoes, make a big effort to cooperate with their wishes. You care about each other, so you care about each other’s success at work, as well. If your partner realizes how much you appreciate them for this, they’ll be bound to cooperate. Once they put on their party shoes and their best behavior, you’ll both be certain to make a great impression.