You've hung out with each others' friends, had your first fight and exchanged apartment keys. If you're still together, there's just one more major hurdle to clear: meeting the parents.
This isn't just about wearing clean jeans and avoiding the F-bomb — this is about connecting with your possible in-laws over the most sacred of all family rituals: dinner. The wrong move says you will never truly be one of them, and the right move gets you written into the family will before dessert is served. Don't screw things up by ordering the wrong entree, mkay?
1. How to booze
Mistake: Long Island iced tea
What this says: "I like to party and met your child while riding a rodeo steer at a bar on the Jersey Shore. When we have kids, I want to be a cool mom!"
Marvelous: vodka martini
What this says: "I'm classy but also like to have fun. Let's get responsibly tipsy!"
2. Keep it classy...
Mistake: Popcorn shrimp that you do not intend to share
What this says: "My mom still buys my clothing."
Marvelous: caesar salad
[img src="http://admin.mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Caesarsalad.jpg" caption="Caesar - the "Miss Congeniality" of the salad world" credit="I Believe I Can Fry" alt="Caesarsalad"]
What this says: "I'm a classic and fit in as easily at family holidays as I do at a company party. Don't you feel like we are kindred spirits?"
3. ...But not too classy
Mistake: Lobster/foie gras/caviar
What this says: "I'm not signing a prenup; I'll need access to the family's country club; Don't even think about sending us coach on our honeymoon flights. You are paying for the honeymoon, right?"
Marvelous: spaghetti bolognese
What this says: "I'm unpretentious. I'm easygoing. I get along well with others. Thank you for the invitation — I would love to come to your niece's softball game next week."
4. Veggies mean business
Mistake: asparagus
[img src="http://admin.mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/asparagus.jpg" caption="Definitely not "meet the parents" approved" credit="liz west" alt="asparagus"]
What this says: "I don't care that your pee stinks."
Marvelous: seasonal beans
What this says: "I care about the environment, about what I eat and about your opinion. I would absolutely want your input on our wedding guest list. In fact, it's OK if you friend me on Facebook."
5. Sweets for your sweet
Mistake: not ordering dessert
Ellie Skrzat
What this says: "Sugar is overrated. I don't really enjoy being happy. My favorite color is grey."
Marvelous: chocolate lava cake
What this says: "I love life! I love your son/daughter! I am great at Pictionary and would be a blast around the fire at your house in the Berkshires!"