My new boyfriend's parents were out of town for the winter, leaving a four-bedroom home on the outskirts of St. Paul empty for months. (Did I mention that it had a hot tub?) Needless to say, we spent a majority of those snowy weekends using body heat alone to keep us warm. By the beginning of March, our time was winding down, so we indulged by exploring the master suite. The next morning, while we cuddled under the covers, his mother climbed the staircase and opened the door to find the unexpected: Me! Although we've stayed together and moved south from Minnesota, it always seems a little chillier when she comes to visit! — Keri, 27

Talk about a mama's boy! I'd spent hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate dishes to impress my boyfriend's mother while he grilled steaks on the patio. Everything was going smoothly — the initial introduction, a glass of wine, and then we settled in for the meal. Can you imagine my surprise as she dragged his plate across the table and sliced his filet into bite-sized pieces? Midway through dinner, she actually tucked his napkin into his neckline, just like a bib. When she finally cleared his plate from the table and wiped his chin, I said my good-byes!
— Janie, 28

Brad made plans for me to meet his mother over dinner at a local Mexican food restaurant, one of our favorites. He knew I'd be nervous, so we showed up early for a couple strawberry margaritas to loosen up before the big introduction. She arrived, we made it past handshakes, and by the time we were seated, I was not only loose but maybe a little loopy too. I tend to get a little touchy-feely when I'm in that mood, and so I started playing footsie under the table. I couldn't understand why Brad wasn't playing back, until his mother lifted the tablecloth to peer under in frustration! By the time he figured out what had happened, I was as red as my margarita!
— Erin, 32

I work evenings while my boyfriend works days, so lots of times he'll head to the office while I linger in bed or lounge around his place. On his way out one Thursday morning, he warned me that his folks were coming in the next day for a weekend visit. As a treat, I thought I'd be nice and tidy the place for their arrival. While I was running around his living room dusting (wearing only his high school baseball jersey), I heard a commotion in the kitchen, which I assumed was him coming home for lunch. I rounded the corner for a welcome home kiss only to find his mother dragging in her luggage. She gave me the once-over while I tried my best to keep cover with only a dust cloth and a can of furniture polish. Well, at least the place was clean!
— Nicole, 29

I'm all about first impressions, and I really liked this guy, so to prep for a first meeting with his mom, I snuck out of work early for a visit to the salon. I thought I had time to run to the mall and find a new outfit, but after searching for a parking space, fighting the crowds, and hunting for something decent to wear, I was a little frustrated and edgy. As I approached the register for yet another sales pitch, I let loose and unleashed a little stress on the unfortunate salesperson behind the counter. I thought my outburst was over and forgotten (I didn't even tell him about it), until I went to shake his mother's hand. She knew my face immediately, while it took a few seconds to register with me. I learned my lesson, and now I try to be kind to all strangers — especially when I'm dating someone new!
— Jes, 37

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