Mission Possible: How to Impress Your Girlfriend’s Father

You’ve finally been invited to dinner with your girlfriend’s parents. Your heart is racing, and thoughts swirl in your head about how you’re going to make an impression on her father. You’re ready to dazzle him with your charm, masculinity, and wit, but it’s not that simple. Let’s figure out how to prepare for this important meeting and avoid disaster!

You’ve finally been invited to dinner with your girlfriend’s parents. Your heart is racing, and thoughts swirl in your head about how you’re going to make an impression on her father. You’re ready to dazzle him with your charm, masculinity, and wit, but it’s not that simple. Let’s figure out how to prepare for this important meeting and avoid disaster!

Find Out About His Hobbies

The first rule is to prepare in advance. Let your girlfriend tell you what her father is passionate about. He may have many interests, and the more you know, the better.

For example, if he runs model trains in the garage, be ready for him to proudly show you his collection. It’s crucial not to lose face and ask why he has so many locomotives. After all, you don’t want to hear he has a little train that runs on a schedule!

If he’s the head of the neighborhood watch, this is your chance to take initiative. Offer your help in finding troublemakers—he might see you as a future protector of his daughter from all the bad boys.

But if he builds little ships in bottles, it’s better to steer clear. You definitely don’t want him to get upset because you accidentally broke his masterpiece. It’s better to come with a gift in the form of a homemade model ship—he might appreciate your effort and be distracted from his bottles.

Be Kind to Mom

Don’t forget about mom! When she asks how the food is, don’t hold back on compliments. Even if the sausages and potatoes don’t look great, act like it’s the best you’ve ever tasted. “Mom, your sausages are a culinary masterpiece; even Gordon Ramsay would be envious!”

She’ll appreciate your kindness, and your father will surely notice that you’re trying. But remember, don’t flirt with mom. Keep a balance between politeness and modesty; otherwise, he might think you’re too forward and invite you to a broom fight.

Don’t Be Too Familiar with Mom

However, don’t overdo it! Avoid excessive flirting when she opens the door. “Now I know where she gets her looks from!”—better to keep those jokes to yourself. She may not be offended, but dad hearing this might give you a firm handshake that makes you feel like you’re holding onto railroad tracks!

Find Out His Favorite Football Team

Your girlfriend’s dad probably loves football. Talk about his favorite club, even if you prefer watching two rocks fight each other. It’s a perfect conversation starter, and you can avoid awkward silences.

Be cautious: if you’re not into football, it’s better to steer clear of deep discussions. Say only what he wants to hear. “Of course, Messi is the best, but don’t forget Salah is just on fire!” And don’t forget to throw in a couple of loud comments about “cool goals” — even if you don’t know which ones.

If you still can’t think of what to talk about, just say you love bowling. It’s “macho,” and dad literally can’t ask you anything about bowling. “Which ball is better—dimpled or smooth?” That’s a question you won’t discuss.

Prepare for the "Crunchy" Handshake

When you meet, remember that a firm handshake is a symbol of strength. He’ll be testing you, and you should look confident. However, be prepared for his handshake to feel like a bear bite. If you accidentally squeak, he might think you’re a lost rabbit and prefer to keep his distance from you in the future.

Just don’t try to match his strength—leave him to his masculine displays. Remember: you came for his daughter, not a wrestling match.

Bring Alcohol

Wine for mom and a case of beer for dad is the perfect option. Nothing strengthens relationships like a good drink. But it might be worth finding out beforehand what he prefers. “I heard you enjoy hops. How about we open something unique together?”

Even if you just bring beer, your thoughtfulness will be appreciated. And if you really try and bring something exotic, like Spanish wine, it’ll be a wow factor! But remember: the beer should be cold, and the wine should be red. And don’t forget the glasses—even if they’re just mugs with your favorite club’s logo.

Don’t Start Drinking First

Yes, having one to ease the nerves is fine, but don’t turn the evening into a drinking marathon. “Well, I had one for courage… and another for boldness… and one more to talk about my feelings.”

Your goal is to make a good impression, not to end up in an awkward situation where you suddenly decide to make a mess. If you get to the point where you’re telling stories about your escapades, dad will probably want to know how you handled your dog as a child and suddenly realize your dog was the only friend who didn’t betray you.

By following these rules and adding a pinch of humor, you can prepare for meeting your girlfriend’s father and make a good impression. The key is to be yourself, show interest, and respect his passions, and you’ll definitely shine. Good luck!