When it comes to relationships, everyone talks about boyfriends living in fear of their girlfriends’ older brothers. Big brothers are thought of as protective, unapproachable, and generally intimidating. But, does anyone ever look at it from a flipped point of view? Big sisters can be scary, people! As a female with a brother that is six years younger than I, I will openly admit that any girl he brings home will have to measure up to my standards. Unfortunately for this poor girl, my brother has not one, but two older sisters through which she will have to go. So, to all of my ladies who are crushing on men with mama bears for older siblings, here’s how to handle meeting them for the first time.
1. Dress presentable.
Chances are, a protective older sister will have the same ideals and views as her mother, so dress as if that's who you're meeting. Tuck in your stomach, don't have your cheeks hanging out, and please, contain your chest. This is her baby brother you're trying to date!
2. Compliment her.
She'll know that it's total B.S. and that your palms are probably sweating, but she'll appreciate that you're trying. She won't show it, but she will.
3. SPEAK.
Nothing is worse than saying little to nothing throughout this ordeal. She understands that this is an intimidating moment for you, but if you remain mute, she'll be left thinking you're boring.
4. Always take her side.
Let's say your name is Jamie. If she ends any sentence with, "Right, Jamie?" You should probably agree.
5. Please. No. P.D.A.
She knows that you are dating her brother. She knows what people who date do when they are alone together. Does she want to think, talk, or hear about it? Dear God, no. Therefore, she definitely doesn't want to see it.
6. Avoid small talk.
Awkward conversation is expected in the beginning, but once the required exchange of how you're both doing is done, get into conversation that has real depth. Share more about yourself than just the basic facts, and ask her questions that show you really want to get to know her. It will let her see that you actually care about building a relationship with the family.
7. Be yourself.
Cliché, I know. I'm sorry, but you knew it had to be said at some point. As corny as it may sound, it's true! A big sis can smell a phony from a mile away. If you're trying to be something that you're not, you better believe that the first thing she says after you leave is that you're a fake you-know-what. She wants to see the you that her brother sees, so be yourself.
8. Remember, this too shall pass.
His sister wants nothing more than to be close to you. Making you feel uncomfortable and grilling you with a frigid stare is just part of your initiation process. She has to do it, it's in the big sister handbook. At the end of the day, she just wants her little bro to be happy, so hold yourself together for the standard interrogation, it's just protocol. Before you know it, you'll be sharing clothes and painting each other's toe nails. Okay, well, that's probably a bit much, but you get what I'm saying.
9. Confidence is key.
After all, the boy clearly thinks highly of you if he thinks you're ready to handle meeting the sister. At the end of the day, she trusts his judgment. If he likes you, chances are that she will too.
