Fret no more, because this article is going to cover some basic tips and mindsets to keep in mind when you meet your girlfriend’s parents.

1.  Don’t cross the line from confidence into cockiness.  When people see someone who’s “too” confident, they assume that he’s compensating for deeper insecurities.  It’s the same when you meet the parents.  Think “poise,” not “posturing.”  Look them in the eye, give them firm handshakes, talk freely about your job and your passions, but don’t toot your own horn or try to out-do anyone.  Doing so crosses the line from confidence and heads into the realm of cockiness, which is a turn-off for any parent.

Remember one simple rule:  the way you behave is how those parents can expect you act around your boss and other authority figures.  If you’re poised, casual, and respectful, they’ll assume you hold the same poise in your professional and personal life.

2.  Show that you’re thoughtful.  How do you do this?  Here are a few hints:

• Bring a small gift, especially if you’re meeting for dinner or will be spending the weekend with them.  Don’t go overboard; just show that you have the social know-how to pick out an appropriate gift that demonstrates your consideration of them.
• Compliment their home and the meal; dish out other compliments only as they come to you.  Don’t over-do the compliments, but do show basic social courtesy and compliment them on the usual things.  Compliments are more genuine when they just “occurred” to you, so only add other compliments if this happens.
• Abide under their rules.  You’re a guest in their home, so live under their rules, especially if you’re spending the night or the weekend with them.

3.  Be sure to remain connected with your passion.  Even if your girlfriend’s father is a big-shot CEO, don’t feel the need to downplay your own passion.  Don’t tell them about how great your pay is unless they ask; instead, talk about your career and life path with the passion that suggests you take it very seriously.

Despite the drastic changes in society over the past half century, dating rules have remained relatively unchanged. There are still a few basic things that a guy is expected to do if he wants to get started on the right foot with a woman. The problem is, with such a shift in gender-roles in many other walks of life, it can sometimes be difficult for a guy to know what is expected of him in the early stages of a dating relationship. Here, we outline a few crucial things to remember if you want your date to go well.

1. Be an early bird

Being early gets you more than just the worm. Taking care to arrive at a destination before your date not only allows you to gain your composure and get comfortable but it also shows her that you are taking the meeting seriously and that you are reliable.

2. Dress to impress, not depress

Make as much effort as you can with your appearance, it won’t go unnoticed. Don’t turn up in your work clothes even if the date does take place immediately after work. Remember your Mother’s advice and always have clean hands and try to smell nice.

3. Have impeccable manners

Always open the door for your date and stand to greet her and pull out her chair if she is to be seated. If you are meeting over a meal, always let her order first and, if your food arrives before hers, wait for her to be served before you tuck in. You may feel cheesy doing this but chivalry is a highly rated quality amongst all women.

4. Never assume

If you meet at the cinema, always consult her before picking a show, don’t just assume that she will like to watch the latest chick-flick. In the same way, if you share a meal, never order for her or second-guess whether she would like coffee or dessert.

5. Give it your all

Although it sounds obvious, listening is just as important as speaking and your body language needs to confirm that you are interested in what your partner is saying. Make lots of eye contact, ask questions and smile.

6. Expect to pay

Although it may be ok to split the bill further into a relationship, when you are in the early stages of dating, most women would expect the man to foot the bill. Don’t make a show of it, just do it and if she protests, let her know that you are happy to do so.

7. See her home safely

Some women may feel threatened if you offer them a lift but do call her a cab and settle her into it. If you want to earn extra brownie points, you can even go the extra mile and pay for the cab in advance.

8. Take a rain check on that coffee invite

If she suggests that you come back to her place, regardless of how tempted you are it is almost always better to decline. Let her know you appreciate the invitation but never extend physical contact beyond a kiss on the cheek on the first date.

9. Be appreciative

Always thank your date for spending her time with you (even if you didn’t enjoy yourself). Remember, there are other things she could have been doing but she chose to see you instead. Elementary but often forgotten.

10. If you say you’ll call her, do it

You can get everything above just perfect but if you don’t follow up with a phone call when promised, you might as well have not bothered. If you don’t intend to pursue the relationship, be honest but don’t make false promises; you will only let yourself down and make things harder later on.