Introducing your boyfriend to your parents can be a nightmare, especially if he is not the exact type of guy they want you to be with. There are a few shortcuts that you can use to help him create a good first impression. If their first meeting is planned carefully, they'll love him almost as much as you do.
"They'll love him almost as much as you do."
Get Over Customs
It is not unusual for parents to want their daughter to date a guy of their nationality or religion. But if you are an adult, there is no reason for you to be restricted to these guidelines. You parents might not like the idea of you being in a relationship with a guy that does not fit these standards, but they may get used to the idea once they see that you really love him.
Your guy might be willing to convert to your religion, but if he is not, you might have to consider the consequences when you introduce your boyfriend to your parents. You know your parents best, and whether or not they will be able to get over it. He should at least be respectful of their customs. Tell him beforehand if he must pray before dinner or adhere to any other traditions or practices in your family home.
Warn Him About Potential Problems
Maybe your mother throws a fit when guests forget to take off their shoes. Perhaps your dad makes dirty jokes at the dinner table. Whatever your parents' shortcomings, your boyfriend deserves to know about them. Give him advice on how to react and how to win them over.
The more information your boyfriend knows about your parents, the better prepared he will be. It might seem counter-productive to tell him what to do, rather than just let him be himself, but if the situation is delicate, all the preparations are necessary.
Make A Great First Impression
A baguette, a bottle of wine, or a cake from a decent bakery can make a good impression on your parents. The hostess gift does not have to be expensive, yet it shows courtesy. Help him select a gift that is appropriate and as classy as possible, yet not too expensive.
Some guys naturally know how to dress up, but it wouldn't hurt to ask him what he is wearing when he meets your parents. He should avoid wearing jeans, if possible. A clean sweater is warm and friendly, yet just slightly dressy. He does not have to rent a tux, but he should definitely try to go beyond casual.
The single most important thing your boyfriend can do to get on your parents' good side is to show how much he loves and respects you. He should be affectionate, but not overly touchy. He should shake your dad's hand and hug or kiss your mom. If he is the real deal, he will be able to present himself in a warm, respectable way.
Dating someone from a distance who you have never met, or dating someone you have met for more than 6 months is called being in a long distance relationship. You can still go on dates when you are in a long distance relationship. In fact, you can do a lot of the same things a couple in a typical relationship can do with just a little tweaking. Most of these tips require the use of a webcam. Good webcams can be found online for as little as 30 bucks, and they will keep your relationship going.
When you really love someone, no distance will keep you apart.
Top 8 Dates For The Long Distance Relationship
- Board Game Night. There are plenty of sites online that allow two people to simultaneously play games. Monopoly, Scrabble, and Poker are all great games to find online. Award the winner with lots of kisses.
- Coffee Shop Date. Head over to the nearest Starbucks or Panera Bread. Chances are, the restaurants in different regions look similar, so it will seem as though you are in the same room, sharing the same experience. Dress up in coffee shop clothes, such as a black turtleneck and corduroys. Share your favorite poetry or enjoy some jazz tunes.
- Celebrate Birthdays. Bake a dozen cupcakes. Send half to your partner on his or her birthday and keep the rest for yourself. Include frosting in a can or tube instead of frosting the cupcakes so there will be less mess. Also pack a few birthday candles. Ask him to frost the cupcakes and light the candle, then sing Happy Birthday.Eat your cupcakes at the same time.
- Become Parents. Get two identical teddy bears, plants, or fish. You and your partner can treat them like children, and give them names. This is a cute way to connect without too much commitment.
- Watch A Movie. Watching the same movie will give you something to talk about. If it is hard to find a movie that you both like, take turns watching each other's favorites until you find something in common. Chances are, you'll like Star Wars more than you think!
- Have An Art Date. You don't have to be an artist to express your love for each other through art. Draw portraits of each other and share them when you are finished. Use different colors to record emotion and personality. Also experiment with self-portraits, or try to draw the same still-life object and compare how you interpret the same object in a different way.
- Take Him Shopping. When you're trying something on in a dressing room, take a quick shot with your cell phone and send it to your partner. If you are on the borderline with a dress, he can tell you if he thinks you should buy it.
- Have A Sleepover. Nothing feels more near and dear than falling asleep with your loved one. This is a great way to burn out a laptop, however, so be sure it is well ventilated. Try using a program that will shut off your laptop for you after a certain period of time. It is best not to do this every night, however, as the light can keep you from getting a good sleep or might keep you awake.
Maintaining an intimate, loving relationship is possible and can be just as enjoyable as any other. When you really love someone, no distance will keep you apart.
The love of your life is right under your nose. You can talk to her about anything, and you have been through so much together. But making the transition from platonic relationship to romantic relationship is very difficult when she sees you as a friend. This does not mean you will never be in the kind of relationship you want to be in with this person. But it takes time and patience, and a little good old-fashioned romance.
"She just might realize that you are 'boyfriend material' after all."
How To Take The Next Step In A Platonic Relationship:
Be more careful of what you say. Friends can tell each other all of the gritty details of their lives. They can talk about really personal things such as waxing body hair and constipation. It is easier for someone to see you in a more romantic light if there is a little mystery. Funny, gross stories should be few and far between.
Ask for advice. Sharing more personal stories and emotions are important when in a romantic relationship. A potential girlfriend will find you to be more sensitive if you are able to open up to her. In some cases, you might not feel ready to be vulnerable in front of her. This should happen on its own.
Treat her like a woman. When you are friends with a girl or woman, you can treat her like one of the guys. You might hang out and make crude jokes about each other for fun. But to bring out the feminine side of her, you will have to start acting differently. Be more courteous towards her, and show her that you can be a gentleman.
Show her that you are changing. You will have to change her outlook of you dramatically if you want her to see you as a potential boyfriend. When she realizes that you are maturing and taking more responsibility in your life, for example, she might just realize that you are boyfriend material after all.
Take her out. When you feel confident enough, just ask her out on a date. You will have to make it clear that you intend for it to be a romantic date, rather than another hang-out. The worst she can say is no. It is very important to have confidence when asking her out. Be simple, direct, and clear. If you are too mushy or show a lot of emotion, she will be afraid of hurting your feelings. The key is to go out with her if she wants to, but, if she doesn't, not run the risk of losing your relationship.
If she says no. It is critical to understand that if you really enjoy her company, you will be happy to just hang out with her as a friend. Chances are, she might avoid you after you ask her out for a while. But if you're a true friend and you really want to remain friends with her, you can tell her that it's okay.
If she says yes. Even if she does like you back, you will need to make a good impression on your first date. Show her what it would be like to date you. The date should be fun and relaxed, but have a different atmosphere than as if you were just hanging out.
Whether or not you are able to take the next step in a platonic relationship and turn it into something more, you should see your friend as someone you will always love and admire.
