I have been lumbered into having lunch with my friends mum. The problem is that her family are quite well off, and enjoy living the high life. My family are comfortable and dont care about social ettiquete and stuff like that. but i really want to impress her mum, what is the procedure?
For example, should I bring a gift- and what?(she doesnt drink alcohol or eat chocs).
What type of conversations should I raise?
How might I appear charming?
Is there anything else that i need to know?
I am very comfortable within my own skin but like I said it is important that her mum leaves with a good impression of me, as she said she would invest some money into my partner's business.
I need this to go really well- please only serious answers only.
Thank you.
2006-07-25 02:47:05 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
we are going to this posh restaurant. I have only been friends with this girl for about a year- she doesn't live with her mum.
I have spoken to her mum a few times on the telephone and she is very witty, i am really nervous...
2006-07-25 02:58:13 · update #1
Let me start by saying that I can already sense your sincerity, and maturity just in the way that u asked this question. I can understand that u would naturally be nervouse, but it doesnt matter if the woman had all the money in the world, or no money at all, u should always be yourself! A genuine person, that caries a nice conversation will make more of a lasting immpression, than one who is "Arrogant", or someone who brings a bottle of wine or a gift. Worrying about the material aspect is only going to make you come across as your trying too hard. SHow up to the lunch with a nice smile, and act the way you would if u went to lunch with your parents. If she has something bad to say about u after the fact then now u would know that this particular person is not worth ur time, and this lunch was a one time deal.
2006-07-25 02:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by Nay Nay 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The situation you now find yourself in is the very reason why etiquette is an important skill.
First of all, you are not "lumbered into" having lunch. You have been generously invited. Remember that this lady is in a position to do good thngs for you, and, as evidenced by her kind invitation, is disposed to be nice to you.
You might consider picking up the check (cheque?) for lunch. Hand your credit card to the waiter about the time that the coffee arrives, and do nothing to draw attention to what you are doing.
Watch your body language: don't sprawl, and don't let your foot or leg tap or jiggle, as this suggests you'd rather be anywhere else.
Above all, try your damndest to be genuinely interested in what she says. Try to encourage HER to talk, rather than take center stage yourself.
I certainly wish you good luck. Once the luncheon is over, you might want to read up on etiquette so you will feel more comfortable not in your own skin, but in general society.
2006-07-25 10:21:39 · answer #2 · answered by silvercomet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When invited to a restaurant, no flowers or gifts. Perhaps a small token - if you and your girlfriend have been on a recent vacation, bring along pictures to show. It is not needed anyhow.
Paying the bill may be nice, but make sure you read the signs. If the dad is there as well, don't - it can be interpreted as trying to off-set the father. Make sure you offer the second time you have lunch with them!
And if you go over to her house, a nice bouquet of flowers (no reds, no yellow roses) is the thing to bring.
2006-07-25 10:43:06 · answer #3 · answered by OneLilithHidesAnother 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seriously. If you need to impress these people so badly, they are not for you. Rich or poor, we are all the same. I know people worth 30 million or more and they burp and fart just like we do. If you desire to better yourself for your own self::: then, just go to ask.com and ask for etiquette instructions. Again, if you want to impress her "mom", you don't really have genuine feelings for her. You are infatuated or "in lust" but not in love or even seriously contemplating being in love. Analyze just why you need to "impress" someone else. Is a "FALSE" feeling.
2006-07-25 09:58:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you going for lunch at her house? If yes take flowers & perhaps a vase. If you can't afford anything expensive I tend to find buy cheap & wrap with lots of luxury paper & bows.
Have you not been friends with your friend long enough to know her mum well? Be yourself & enjoy it, my grandmother always reminds me to remain a lady!
Good luck!!
2006-07-25 09:54:49 · answer #5 · answered by vegasistrapped 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what are ya trying to sleep with her? lol.. jk.. Um., just be polite and yourself, no gifts on the first because it shows signs of kissing up.. not charming. Don't stress..Oh, reading on in your question you want something out of her.. So, yeah, kiss up...to get what you want.. thats' real?? =(
2006-07-25 09:57:02 · answer #6 · answered by tracienmark 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋