I'm sorry, I cannot do the show tonight and I was really looking forward to it but I've lost my voice! ARE YOU VISITING YOUR BOYFRIEND'S OR GIRLFRIEND'S PARENTS' HOME FOR THANKSGIVING? HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON MAKING A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION! = ) GOOD LUCK! Well, to those of you who are heading into a new household tomorrow with a boyfriend or girlfriend, just remember that your mate loves you and that's the most important part, however, if you want to be the perfect guest, bring flowers for the lady of the house and a bottle of wine. This act shows that you are a generous individual who cares about tradition, portraying that you care about and are interested in the long-term, and if the family believes that about you, they will credit you with the opportunity to further prove yourself as a worthy mate. Also, when you first arrive, make sure to look everyone in the eyes when you greet them, if only to say, "hello" and give them your name with a smile. Your mate will be occupied with various people who see them rarely and will not be able to babysit you, so circulate between the various groups of people and listen to what they are discussing. Do not isolate yourself from the crowd or people will deem you anti-social and think you are too much work, a person whom their loved-one will have to cradle; a romantic relationship is for two adults who can hold their own in a social setting, not for a child who must be constantly attended to and their caregiver. If you listen to what others are discussing and what words they are using to converse, you will find out their interest and determine what types of people they are, educated serious, comedic, or insane. Mimic their tone of voice and general body positioning to make them feel comfortable with you, but still find a way to be yourself. Steer clear or the crazies! LOL! Importantly, remember to be an active participant, but do not dominate any conversations. If you are visiting your boy/girlfriend's family for Thanksgiving, I am assuming the relationship is serious, and you are interviewing the family and you should be evaluating the way the family naturally interacts, because this family could one day be your own. Trust me they are evaluation you., but they will love you if you do what is aforementioned and be yourself with improvements if necessary. FOR THE PERSON WHO IS BRINGING A MATE HOME TO MEET THE PARENTS! Tell your girl/boyfriend about your family and their traditions or issues. If there is anything that your family does which is different or strange, like not eating until 11 pm, let them know to bring a snack etc.! Also, remember that they are in a new place and you may be the only person they are comfortable with so don't forget about them. Even if they appear totally secure mingling on their own, check in with them every 15 to 30 minutes, but only after the first 30 minutes in which you have introduced them to everyone and discussed with them their initial comfort level. Think about members of the family that might interest or get along well with your girlfriend or boyfriend; make sure you introduce them to each other and clue them in on what they've got in common. BIG DEAL! PLEASE REMEMBER>>> *** Tell your family you are bringing someone to dinner!!!!!! Prepare them! 1* Thanksgiving is a day for peace and love in the present, so avoid discussing anything that will offend anyone and don't bring up people's past relationships, or family issues today, even your own, unless in private, with a specific person and after dinner is over. Leave that stuff alone!!! 2* Thanksgiving dinner is also not a time for dropping surprises! You never know what people's reactions will be to things, so to keep the day happy and loving, surprise people tomorrow. If things don't go well, everyone is not involved involuntarily. Surprises like engagements and pregnancies deserve their own days, not Thanksgiving! *If you want to tell everyone on this day, at least wait until after everyone has eaten dinner; in the case that things don't go well, at least most of the day went smoothly. Just be smart, be pleasant and show everyone you love them, including your new mate, but no inappropriate marathon kissing or P.D.A's in front of the family! Most importantly, don't for get to give thanks! Good Luck and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Sherrae