So for this blog entry, l thought it would be appropriate to talk about one of the steps in the dating relationship that many of us dread… meeting the parents of our significant others.
There’s no real recipe to follow when you’re meeting the parents. It’s one of those intimidating, yet awkward, events that you’re eventually going to have to face sooner or later. And according to buisnessinsider.com, you only have seven seconds to make a good first impression, so I’m here to help make those short seconds worthwhile.
First off, make sure you have a good handshake. If a parent offers you a hand, you need to know a couple of tips (and this goes for boys and girls). According to nonverbal-world.com, a handshake that is not firm conveys that the person is lacking enthusiasm, passion, and confidence. They call that handshake a “deadfish”.
A “positive handshake” conveys to the person that you are confident, intelligent person, with good social skills as well as showing good leadership qualities, according to sheknows.com. Granted, some families might just go in for the hug, but the handshake is the typical gesture that is offered. So here are a few tips to help you start the first few seconds of the meeting off on the right foot.
Secondly, be confident. Make sure to make eye contact and speak up for yourself. According to blinkd.com, eye contact is the most powerful way to establish trust. If you do not use eye contact, it may come off as showing of lack of interest or an indication of a short attention span.
Also, speak up for yourself. The parents are there to get to know you, not to interrogate you. According to Dr. Albert Merabian, author of “Silent Messages,” several studies have revealed that 7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through certain vocal elements, and 55% through nonverbal elements. The nonverbal elements include your posture, your the facial expressions, etc. So be aware of your gestures but still stay focused on the conversation that is going on.
Lastly, and most importantly, be yourself. One of my favorite quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson is, “to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Even though you may be under a lot of pressure while you’re really trying to impress the parents, being yourself makes the conversation flow easier. You may end up having something in common with the parent, but either way, being real is the best advice. Pretending you like something you really don’t adds to your stress and will ultimately affect your ability to make a good impression.
l hope that these few steps make the first seven seconds of the “meeting the parents” memorable. lf you have any topic ideas or questions, comment below or email me! Also, one last tip. lt isn’t a bad idea to bring a small gift for the parents, like a candle or home-baked cookies, to break the tension.
Good luck out there, and check back next time for more pointers to survive the dating experience!
There’s no real recipe to follow when you’re meeting the parents. It’s one of those intimidating, yet awkward, events that you’re eventually going to have to face sooner or later. And according to buisnessinsider.com, you only have seven seconds to make a good first impression, so I’m here to help make those short seconds worthwhile.
First off, make sure you have a good handshake. If a parent offers you a hand, you need to know a couple of tips (and this goes for boys and girls). According to nonverbal-world.com, a handshake that is not firm conveys that the person is lacking enthusiasm, passion, and confidence. They call that handshake a “deadfish”.
A “positive handshake” conveys to the person that you are confident, intelligent person, with good social skills as well as showing good leadership qualities, according to sheknows.com. Granted, some families might just go in for the hug, but the handshake is the typical gesture that is offered. So here are a few tips to help you start the first few seconds of the meeting off on the right foot.
Secondly, be confident. Make sure to make eye contact and speak up for yourself. According to blinkd.com, eye contact is the most powerful way to establish trust. If you do not use eye contact, it may come off as showing of lack of interest or an indication of a short attention span.
Also, speak up for yourself. The parents are there to get to know you, not to interrogate you. According to Dr. Albert Merabian, author of “Silent Messages,” several studies have revealed that 7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through certain vocal elements, and 55% through nonverbal elements. The nonverbal elements include your posture, your the facial expressions, etc. So be aware of your gestures but still stay focused on the conversation that is going on.
Lastly, and most importantly, be yourself. One of my favorite quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson is, “to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Even though you may be under a lot of pressure while you’re really trying to impress the parents, being yourself makes the conversation flow easier. You may end up having something in common with the parent, but either way, being real is the best advice. Pretending you like something you really don’t adds to your stress and will ultimately affect your ability to make a good impression.
l hope that these few steps make the first seven seconds of the “meeting the parents” memorable. lf you have any topic ideas or questions, comment below or email me! Also, one last tip. lt isn’t a bad idea to bring a small gift for the parents, like a candle or home-baked cookies, to break the tension.
Good luck out there, and check back next time for more pointers to survive the dating experience!