Meeting his or her parents

By JENELLE CLEARY

To coincide with the forthcoming cinema release Meet the Parents, we have decided to produce a small guide for meeting possibly your future in-laws - the other parents.

We are all familiar with disaster stories of snooping in bathroom cupboards and being caught or drinking a bit too much wine at dinner and paying for it dearly, but how can you make meeting his or her parents for the first time an experience that won't leave your nerves in disarray?

When the time comes for that first meeting, obviously the jitters can get the better of anyone.

It may sound obvious but punctuality may be the key to you keeping your sanity through the dinner or whatever else you have planned.

Saving yourself from being flustered and apologetic as you walk in the door can start you off on the right track! And girls, give the low-cut top and push-up-bra a miss.

Wear something that you are comfortable in and shows your respect for them. It isn't about not being yourself, it is about the situation you are in. You wouldn't wear it to a job interview, would you?

As deliciously groovy as your beloved may be, this is not the place for some PDA (Public Display of Affection). Avoid ear-nibbling, toe-sucking and anything else that may make those in your company feel uneasy. You know how it feels!

Wait until you are invited to treat their place as your own, before you start rummaging through the fridge and using their remote control.

Downing any type of alcoholic beverage you can get your hands on is a sure-fire way to dampen the occasion, even if you feel you need a stiffener!

Trying too hard to impress them can lead to trauma you never thought possible - just try to feel like you are in a conversation with friends.

If you feel like you are being tested on your knowledge of the history of canoeing in the Middle East then let them know that "I don't know a lot on that subject although could you tell me more?"

It is a good way to get out of the ikkiness of the conversation and you might learn a bit about canoeing as well!

If you do feel uncomfortable, let your boyfriend or girlfriend know instead of just carrying through smiling, yet mortified.

It isn't meant to be a test of your skills as a future spouse and in-law who is going to bring them 10,000 grandchildren. If they have differing views to yours then don't start a world war over it. Some things just aren't worth it.

Letting them know that you don't wish to discuss something without bringing yourself down to an argumentative level is wise.

All in all, just relax and it will all be smooth sailing (or canoeing)! All in all, it will be a good chance to get some great info on how your boyfriend or girlfriend was star of the school play in grade 3 and how he or she religiously eats six WeetBix for breakfast every day.

So much so for gourmet omelettes and a latte!