How to Get Your Friend's Parents to Like You

Last Updated: March 2, 2023

Your friends parents are mostly impressed with a well mannered, and polite friend. Remember don't be too showy or you may find that this friendship wasn't meant to be, be yourself, relax and go with the flow. But don't slouch or look like you're not interested in their conversations with you. I hope this guide will help you realise how important first impressions are. And though there is a lot to remember, you can pull it off.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Presentation

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Dress nicely. Do not wear anything too revealing, wear clothes that look decent. Make a good impression by meeting them well dressed from the start; this shows respect for your friend's parents and for yourself.^{[1]
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Avoid wearing baggy or sloppy clothing, as it makes you look like a slob. If you want to be comfortable, try clothing that fits close to the body so you're not completely baggy. Don't wear anything too tight either; this can seem too revealing.

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3
Groom yourself well. Have good personal hygiene and wear a pleasant scent. Memories of a pleasant smell subtly implant a positive view.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Making a good first impression

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Be polite. When meeting your friend's parents for the first time, use your manners and show respect for everyone and everything.^{[2]
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Listen attentively. Show that you are interested in what the parents have to say and do not act as if all you would like to do is rush away.^{[3]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Keeping in their good books

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Continue using good manners at your friend's house. If your friend asks you to make a sandwich or go out for a minute, make sure you ask her or his parents first.
- The most easiest and important part of making your friend's parent like you is using your manners. Always remember to thank them if they give you things to eat and say please before you ask for something. Parents will love you for this.
2
Always say "hello" when you first see them, or they will think you are rude.
3
Do not swear. Parents hate hearing swearing from children; in fact most adults probably won't like you if you cuss. Even if the parent swears in front of you, do not join in.
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Socialize with your friend's parents. Don't be too shy, or you will leave them uncertain about you. However, don't be too outspoken. If their opinions differ from yours, respect that and avoid getting into opinionated arguments.^{[4]
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If they tell you to make yourself at home, don't take this too literally. You'll look respectful if you ask for things and ask if it's okay to use facilities in their home.
- However, don't ask if you can use the bathroom every time you need it, or every time you want a glass of water. They don't want to be constantly bothered by you.
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If you are comfortable with it, introduce your parents to your friend's parents. Parents love talking about their kids, most times and if your parents all get along well, you'll get to spend even more time with your friend.^{[5]
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Speak kindly in their house. Parents will sometimes listen in on their kids' conversations, if you know they are listening discuss appropriately, or laugh with your friend to implant in their mind that you are good friends.
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Relax! Once you get the know the parents well, you'll know the boundaries and how much you can be yourself without having to maintain a stiff outer appearance around them. This will become evident to you in time, so just go with the flow, being super polite at first and then relaxing into the accepted standards that are evident within the household.^{[6]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Showing that you're a good friend

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Set a good example, by helping them out, or helping your friend's siblings. Be playful with your friend's siblings.
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Don't get in trouble with anyone. Act innocent and be like a perfect angel, even if you aren't.
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Stay away from drugs. Period. Nothing worse than doing drugs, and your friend's parents probably won't want their offspring hanging with somebody who wants to follow in Snoop Dog's footsteps.
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Try your best in school, and always be prepared.
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If the parents refuse to let you and your friend do something, respect their decision.

Warnings

Don't be so perfect that your friend's parents end up lecturing her or him on how they should be more like you.

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When you are at the door of your friend's house, make sure they invite you in. If your friend does it, wait for his or her parents too say "come in"; don't just walk in after your friend has said it or you will seem rude.

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