I hopped a plane to visit my LD boyfriend a couple of days ago (will be here until next Monday... before-Christmas-time, since we will each be spending Xmas day with family) and in a few days I will be meeting his parents for the first time ever. I'm nervous as hell and can't pretend not to be. He always shakes his head and says they will love me, but.... what if they don't? I just know I'm gonna do something stupid. Maybe not 'Meet The Parents' stupid, but probably close.

There is also a 13 year age difference between the two of us. I'm afraid they won't even give me a chance and just size me up to be a completely ditzy teen. I have never been in a relationship this serious; meeting high school BF's parents was not a big deal for me. Like a hi and bye thing. What am I gonna do?!?! I'd love to hear how you all handle/handled things like this and any pointers you could offer.

)(Deranged)(

[dyermaker]

Just conduct yourself modestly and courteously, and be yourself. If your boyfriend wants you to meet his parents, then he's proud of you, and I am sure that he thinks you'll have no problem. Also, even if you're "Meet The Parents stupid", do you remember how the movie ends?

lol, yeah dyer, I remember how it ends. Thanks for your comments. (Hey, when are you going to visit your GF?)

[dyermaker]

The 29th, I'm very excited.

[jenny]

lol: some other tips i've learned the hard way sorry if this is old hat for you; some of this stuff i did not know; and some of this stuff my bf's did not know.

<really, i just like lists>

1. dress: modest and feminine. knee length black skirt; xmas-coloured non-cleavage sweater, one inch heels. small, non-dangling, earrings. pearls or diamonds are perfect. one ring at most, no necklace.

2. offer to help with serving and the dishes. definitely help clear away dishes.

3. bring something - not alcohol. bring something you bake well - a unique dish - or something from your local stylish bakery. any exotic but digestible pastry is excellent.

4. bring, if money permits, a present of some type for the house. let your bf present it.

5. do not discuss anything controversial, unless of course, the family is like mine and will have no respect for you if you can't delve into stoicism or the like over appetizers.

6. ask questions about current events or hobbies.

7. tableware minutiae does not matter too much - but: a. put your napkin in your lap. b. wait for everyone to have all food before starting to eat, even if they do not do this.

8. do not have more than one drink or helping, even if offered.

9. do not talk too much. be confident enough to just absorb and learn about these people.

10. do not say anything too familiar or in any way insulting about your bf, even if asked directly.

i know i am going to get screeched at for these rules, but i'm just offering them up as practical and useful guidelines. manners are really about respecting those new to us; these are not meant az strict rules but rather as heuristics.

you can trust your judgment, i'm sure. cheers! have fun! let us know how it goes!