Ugh….the in-laws.  Just the thought of in-laws makes every guy start to quiver in his boots.  Whether you are getting married to the girl of your dreams or simply dating someone special, you will inevitably come to the point where you need to meet her family.  Most guys dread this moment as much as they dread getting their teeth pulled with rusty pliers, but there are a few things you can do to help make this experience a little less miserable.  Or, at the very least, you might have a fighting chance of leaving a decent impression on the in-laws and preventing years of further torment from a mother-in-law that thinks you aren’t good enough for her little girl and a father-in-law who wants to kick your ass because he knows “what you really want.”

Follow these ten tips and you just might be able to have a civil relationship with your girl’s family.

Tip #1:  Go on a Recon Mission

Before you ever head over to the in-law’s house, perform a little recon by interrogating your woman.  She will obviously know more about the in-laws than you ever will or that you ever hope to know.  But, by taking some time to learn a little about the people you will be meeting, you may be able to discover some common interests or other ways you can connect.

Tip #2:  Learn More About Family Customs

In addition to learning more about what makes each individual family member “tick,” you should also find out as much as you can about family customs and how you should act around the family.  Is it a carnal sin for you to leave your shoes on after you walk in the door?  Is stacking dirty dishes on top of one another one of your future mother-in-law’s pet peeves?  Does your girl’s family have a true disdain for people who use foul language, or do they prefer it when someone is comfortable with getting down and dirty with them?  These are all things you need to know if you hope to make a good first impression.

Tip #3:  Be Respectful

Even if your girl’s family likes a guy who cusses like a sailor and knows how to have a “good time,” this doesn’t mean you can be disrespectful.  Be certain to show respect for her family members as well as for their home and other property.

Tip #4:  Use Some Basic Etiquette

No one is expecting you to walk around with perfect posture and to stick your pinky out as you sip tip.  Nonetheless, showing some basic polite manners will get you far when getting to know the in-laws.  At the very least, be certain to say “please” and “thank you” at the appropriate times.  This will make you appear friendlier and more approachable.

Tip #5:  Put On a Smile

Even if you aren’t really happy to be there, put on a smile and act like you are.  Chances are pretty good that your girl is faking it in the sack, so there is no reason why you can’t fake it when you go to her parents’ house.

Tip #6:  Come Bearing Gifts

No one can be rude to someone who comes bearing gifts, so try to bring something with you when you come to visit.  A bottle of wine or some dessert are good gifts to bring if you are going over for dinner.  Or, if you know your in-laws have a particular interest, try to bring something along that fits with that interest.  And, just as you better remember your girl’s birthday, the same holds true for the in-laws.  Make sure to acknowledge this special day in one way or another.

Tip #7:  Get Talking

If you have successfully completed your recon mission, you should be able to find plenty of things to talk about with the in-laws.  Try to find something that is of common interest and have a lighthearted conversation.  This way, you can get to know each other better without having to deal with any awkward silences.

Tip #8:  Avoid Conflict

Try to avoid topics of discussion that could potentially lead to debate or argument.  After you get to know one another, you may be able to discuss topics that are a little more “heated.”  While you are still feeling each other out, however, it is best to avoid topics that could lead to conflict.

Tip #9:  Try to Appear Comfortable

Even if you are feeling a bit nervous around the in-laws, try to make it appear as if you are perfectly comfortable.  If you look nervous, it will look like you have something to hide and the in-laws will become suspicious of you and your intentions.  Your nerves may also cause them to feel a bit offended, as they may interpret your nervousness to mean that you do not like them.  Even if this is true, you don’t want them to know it!

Tip #10:  Treat Your Girl Right

The last thing you want to do is to get in an argument with your girlfriend in front of the in-laws. This will instantly make you a member of jerkville and you will never be “good enough” for their daughter/sister/cousin/aunt/niece.  This doesn’t mean you should be pawing all over her, as this will make you look like some sort of sexual predator who only wants to get her in the sack.  Nonetheless, remember to be polite to her, to make nice comments to her while family members are within earshot and to act like a gentleman.  C’mon, you know how to do it – after all, isn’t that how you got her in the sack in the first place?

When it comes to getting to know the in-laws, keep in mind that they may be a bit nervous about meeting you as well.  So, don’t look at the situation as if you were a prisoner heading toward his execution.  Rather, try to relax and to make the situation as comfortable for everyone as possible.