The Do's and Don’ts of Talking to Your Friends’ Parents

Talking with your friend’s parents can be awkward, especially if your friend is a newly acquired addition to your collection of peeps. Of course, you want your friends’ parents to like you. You want to charm them with your wit, and exude niceness so they let your friend sleep over at your house (and so that they invite you over to dinner).

Here's how to get in with the rents:

DO

Use their names a lot: When talking with your friend’s parents, make sure to strategically place their names in each of your sentences. For example: “I really love how you redid the kitchen, Mrs. Harris. It looks lovely!” Remember, you don’t get to call them by their first names unless they correct you because they are really cool. Most of the time, though, Mrs. Harris doesn’t want to be called “Beth,” “ B-Unit,” or “B-Train.” She wants you to respect her, and nothing says respect like a Mister or Missus.

Be a mini newscaster: You can only make so many comments about how great the house looks and how exciting Mrs. Harris’s new job sounds. That's why you should always keep up with the news. Get up on that health care beat, memorize the American Idol contestants according to their hairstyles—and remember to lay off the sexy stories. It’s not exactly becoming to discuss that CNN report on why healthier men are better in bed.

Do their chores: If the Harris family doesn’t warm to you, try being their personal servant. After all, who doesn’t like a little help around the house? Does the garbage look like it needs to be taken out? Be The Man—the garbage man! Does Mrs. Harris’s water glass need a refill? Be her waiter and pour some H20 before she even has to ask.

DON'T

Curse like a sailor: Dropping F bombs and vulgar words for poop and stuff is not going to get you any props. Instead, think like an old person and use dated terminology to indicate your frustration or anger: doggone it, holy smokes, yikes, or oh crab apple pie!

Ask them to be your matchmaker: Even your friend knows you’ve been eying her big brother. It’s hard not to, what with his awesome physique, curly brown hair, and banging t-shirt collection. But don’t ever think it’s cool to cross a line and ask Mrs. Harris to put in a good word for you. She won't give you her blessing, even if you’ve organized her CD collection, helped her arrange a garage sale, and taught her everything she needs to know about Obama’s health care plan.

Talk in abreevs: It’s totes not approp to chat in abreevs, bc OMFG no1 knows wat ur sayin. It’s not presh. If u lol or JK 2 much, Mrs. Harris won’t be ROFL or LMAO NEtime. Plus, did you see how dumb you’d sound?

Do your friends' parents like you?

Related post: You WILL Be Home By X: What Your Curfew Says About Your Parents