Few things strike fear in the heart of a woman like meeting her man’s mama. After all, this is the original woman in his life — and the only one you can be pretty damn sure he’ll never get over.

Your first meeting with mommy dearest is much like your first date with her boy. Control what you can so you’re in a position to deal with whatever’s tossed at you. Get a good night’s sleep so you’re rested and prepared for the big event. Maybe even get a massage the day before, along with a manicure and pedicure. Don’t try new products or outfits on the big day — allergic reactions and unflattering styles will make a bad impression!

Ask your man for a list of topics to avoid as well as things his mother would enjoy discussing. Then keep the initial meeting brief — ideally no longer than thirty minutes. And no matter what he’s said about her, don’t go in with any expectations. The reality is almost always different than you thought.

After your preparations are complete, it’s time to meet the other woman. Remember not to try too hard; cloying sentimentality gets you nowhere and neither does being a doormat. Be yourself. Most moms aren’t bitch goddesses; they just love their sons. So if you go in being yourself (confident, warm and fabulous), she’ll be meeting the same you he adores.

Beyond that, it’s a crapshoot.
“I met Adam's mom for the first time at graduation,” recounts Betty Lou in Minneapolis. “Mine from undergrad and his from grad school. I walked up, and his mom, this tiny frizzy-haired woman, started squealing like a stuck pig and runs up to me for a hug. I just kept smiling — in my lovely polyester baby-blue cap and gown. She pulled back and eyed me up and down. That I was kind of expecting. But then she stepped up really close, grabbed my cheeks and said, ‘Now smile... I like to check teeth.’”

“Danny invited me to dinner to meet his mom and his mom’s partner (female),” confides Brenda in Glendale, California. “After dinner, I offered to do the dishes so Danny could have time with his moms. Just as I began drying, his mom’s partner came in. She was complimenting me all over the place and then said, ‘If it doesn’t work out between you and Danny, I’ve got a single girlfriend who’s perfect for you.’”

“When I met Stacy's mom,” laughs Johanna in Houston, “she promptly informed me that every time Stacy brings a gal home for dinner, the relationship ends soon afterward. Funny... her mom was right. We broke up two months later”

So, ladies, if nothing else, remember to keep your sense of humor about the whole thing, be polite and give it your best shot!

You have to meet your mate before you can meet the mom! Find romance down the block with a quick search from Match.com!