10 Things to Do When You Meet the Parents

It's etiquette 101, so even if your guy says his folks don't expect you to, don't show up empty-handed. If you're just going over for dinner, bring flowers, dessert, or bottle of wine. For longer stays, consider chocolates or a book about something that interests them.

If his family tends to be formal, ditch the skinny-jeans-plus-graphic-tee combo and rock a knee-skimming dress or skirt with a non-cleavage-baring top, says relationship expert Karen Sherman, PhD. And if you're not sure what their style is, play it safe by going conservative.

You're on her turf, so compliment her on the welcoming environment she's created: Gush over her latest watercolor, the decorating scheme, the meal she's prepared. It lets her know that you notice and appreciate all the work she's done, says Sherman.

Ask his little sister about her ballet classes, or his older brother about his favorite sports team. "Everyone wants to feel cared about," says Dr. Sherman. And it doesn't hurt to get the thumbs-up from his next of kin.

His 'rents want to see that you adore their boy as much as they do. Praise the awesome way he treats you and point out how proud you are of something cool he's done lately (like acing a presentation at work or dog sitting for his neighbor). They'll beam knowing that you're also a member of his fan club.

They'll be thrilled to see that you really like him, but they don't want to glimpse you two sucking face or groping each other on the sofa. An arm around his shoulder or a peck on the cheek is okay, but any more than that might offend them, so back off until you're out of their house.

Pitch in by washing dishes and tidying up. It shows that you respect the effort they've gone to playing host, and even better, that you're a willing participant in the family dynamic, says Sherman. When you take on a task like clearing the table, you show that you want to join the family, not lure him out of it.

Does everyone sleep till noon? Do they schedule every minute of every day? Eat dinner at 4:30 p.m.? Figure it out and don't try to change their routine. Again, show his family that you want to blend innot take over.

Stay away from landmine topics, but don't be afraid to share who you areinfo about your job, school, or hobbiesand of course ask them about themselves. If you're at a loss for words, inquire about family memories. Say something like, "John speaks so highly of your family vacations. Can you tell me more about that trip to the Grand Canyon?" Says Sherman: "It shows that you honor their family, and you want to hear about them."

Nothing slays a parental unit like receiving an old-fashioned handwritten thank-you note. Tell them they were amazing hosts, and you look forward to spending more time with them in the future. You'll be getting an invite to the next family get-together in no time.