Meeting her parents for the first time?

Here are some rules to make that all-important encounter less daunting.

Does it get any scarier than this? If getting the girl was a task, imagine the thought of getting her parents to accept you. Remember Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents? Avoid going down that dangerous road. Leaving a good first impression is imperative and so there are a couple of rules you must follow...

1 Dress appropriately: Dressing classy is one of the ageless guidelines to follow when you meet her family for the first time. "Be mindful of your attire and look presentable. As much as possible, keep the sloppiness at bay." says relationship expert Simmy D'souza.

Well-fitted denims with a monochrome shirt or formals work fine.

2. Don't act anxious: Sure it's a mortifying task but don't let that anxiety and stress get the better of you. Act confident, you want them to accept you the way you are. Always remember that your partner is with you for a reason and you can make her family accept you as well.

3. Talk confident: Don't jabber away about everything under the sun. Be a good listener and give your opinions only if required. Showing off your knowledge is not a good idea. On the other hand, being a docile watcher won't work to your benefit either. Make light conversation and see where it goes.

4. Value time: Treat the first meeting with her parents with the same amount of respect you'd treat your job interview with. Keeping time is one of the essentials to ensuring your charm doesn't go unnoticed. If late, be sure to notify them instead of coming up with excuses.

5. Be prepared for some tough love: Hoping that they'd accept you with arms wide open and a garland of flowers is slightly utopian. "You may be confronted with questions about your past or your intentions. Don't be thrown off guard when that happens. Be as honest as possible without divulging into in-depth detail," says relationship and marriage counsellor Aditya Agarwall.

6. Keep your mannerisms in check: Be alert and attentive. Take a genuine interest in what her family has to say. Steer away from controversial debates or topics that might result in a clash of opinions. Be polite, it can go a long way in getting her family to like you.