When dating someone new, making a good impression on those closest to your partner is often a very important part of the process. Although some people may operate under the assumption that the only person they need to impress is their partner, underestimating the significance of a partner’s closest allies will likely only lead to trouble somewhere down the line.

Yes, it is true that some people have a thing for the “bad boy/girl” and that they may sometimes gravitate toward partners that ruffle the feathers of their loved ones but the reality is that the overwhelming majority are much more likely to prefer that their friends and family approve of anyone they may become romantically involved with. Take a moment to think about how much you value the opinions of those people in your life that are near and dear to your heart. Imagine how you might feel if a newcomer were to mistreat those people or behave in a manner that might make them feel uncomfortable. No matter how much you may like the person that you are dating, it is inevitable that those feelings will be influenced in some way by the feedback that you get from the people that have already earned your trust.

Now if you are dating multiple partners and are not interested in cultivating a more meaningful relationship then it is unlikely that you will need to worry too much about anyone other than your individual romantic interests. But if you are serious about getting to know a new partner and are even remotely interested in the possibility that it might develop into something more serious later on, then it is absolutely imperative that you make an effort to meet and get along with the people that are most important in your partner’s life. Fortunately, making a good impression on people that you don’t plan on becoming romantically involved with is a whole lot easier than starting off on the right foot with a romantic interest.

For best results, implement the two-step plan below:

Step 1. Be polite - this should be a no-brainer but always be courteous, respectful, and mind your manners.

Step 2. Be genuine - no matter how flawless you might think your dog and pony show may be, don’t try to put on an act. Just be yourself and let people like you for the person that you are. Consider this a rule to live by in any situation.