I just went to Disneyland! Plus, any advice for meeting the SO's parents?

[noshenanigans]

I used to live in L.A., now I live on the East Coast (temporarily. I'm moving back ASAP) and I came out west to see my boyfriend and my friends. I got to go to Disneyland and eat in the Blue Bayou, the restaurant inside "The Pirates of the Caribbean"! It was soo much fun.

I'm meeting his parents tomorrow night. His family's Jewish, I'm Agnostic now, but was raised haaardcore Southern Baptist.

He lives about 3 miles away from his parents, in a house they bought for him (they're really rich), and I'm just petrified. He sees them constantly, so I'm really worried that they won't like me, or I won't like them, or they won't want him with someone who isn't Jewish.

Any DUers have any meet-the-parents advice? Do I need to take a gift? I don't know how to act.

[babylonsister]

1. I'd bring wine or flowers. Are you going for dinner? nt

[noshenanigans]

2. yep. Dinner

is it appropriate for a girl to bring wine?

I honestly dont' know what I'm doing here. I was raised in a world where you hide all the alcohol when people come to visit. If I brought them wine, what kind would be good?

[babylonsister]

7. Yes it's appropriate. I'm not a

wine drinker so can't help you there. But your guy cares about you, so I'll bet his folks will just love you!

[The empressof all]

3. It's kind of scary to meet the parents-Isn't it.

No matter what --just try not to second guess yourself or over Analyze things when it's over.

As far as a gift---If you are going to their house for the first time -yes, you should bring something- flowers or wine are both appropriate. Make sure there are no allergies before you bring the flowers, and check to be sure they drink alcohol before you bring the wine.

[noshenanigans]

5. Sigh.. it's scary..

I'm sooooo intimitated by these people because they have so much money. Like, i had to give my boyfriend directions to the airport because he had always been in a limo.

Whereas I come from lower-middle class Southern Good-Ol'-boy kind of stock.

[tonekat]

4. Well, you'll discover soon enough

if they like you or not...and if they don't, run like hell, because this sounds like one of those families that is going to be a constant part of the lives of him and whoever he ends up with. But be optimistic, they could be really nice.

Yes, take a gift! Flowers, maybe some of those really nice chocolates you can get now, it doesn't have to be a big deal, just a nice and polite thing to do.

Oh, yeah, keep bringing up religion and politics.

[Misunderestimator]

6. Find out if they drink first, then bring wine... otherwise, flowers...

and then just be yourself. If you find yourself at a loss for words, find something in their house that you admire that you can compliment them on and ask them about. good luck.

[legally blonde]

8. I would bring a nice bottle

of wine and just be yourself (your well-behaved self, that is). IMHO, that's the best advice anyone could give you.

I met my boyfriend's parents two years ago and I was terrified. They're Muslim and I'm Christian, so I know what you're going through. I thought that they would want my boyfriend to marry someone of the same faith. But, all they really want is for their son to be happy. I'm sure your boyfriend's parents feel the same way.

Good luck! :hi:

[noshenanigans]

9. Thank You

He brought it up to them before that I was raised Southern Baptist (like, I would pray for forgiveness if I even *thought* a curse word), and they joked "so should we remove the upside-down crosses?" So I don't think they take themselves too seriously.

I'm just so scared that they'll hate me, and I don't even know why. A bottle of wine is a great idea.

[legally blonde]

11. It sounds like his parents

are pretty laid back, which is a good thing. Just try to relax and not freak out (easier said than done, I know).

I completely understand how you feel--I was terrified that my boyfriend's parents would think that I was a heathen infidel. But, when my boyfriend's mom greeted me, she gave me a big hug and kissed me on both cheeks. That definitely put me at ease for the rest of the evening. ;-)

[Robb]

10. Best topics for any meet-the-parents conversations:

1) Religion, why theirs is so silly
2) Politics, see (1)
3) Class warfare
4) Their son's prowess in the sack
5) Tattoo comparisons
6) "Man, that's the last time I pay in advance for drugs!!"
7) Favorite prison passtimes

...You'll come up with more, I'm sure. :P

p.s. Can't go wrong with a $15-20 bottle of Cotes d Rhone. :thumbsup:

[sleepyhead]

12. They may be just as worried that you won't have a good time.

Bring a nice bottle of wine or a good box of chocolates (everyone likes chocolate!) and relax. Be yourself and don't be afraid to discuss your background if the subject comes up. They will be happy to see that their son is happy with you - nothing else will matter much. Breathe and stay calm - you will be fine!