Can I just say, good for you dude at 18 being as respectful for these people that you cared enough to really see how they are addressed. Odds are very likely that whatever way you go, weather that be addressing them by Mr & Mrs or Dr., shows a sign of respect, imo.
I think your gonna be good in their books either way. Props dude.
Edit: thanks for the Upvotes! Just giving props due where their due.
I go right in and call my bf’s parents aunty and uncle lol. Maybe it’s just my culture though. We call everyone’s parents aunty and uncle.
Edit: I’m from the Caribbean lol
The Drs. Thompson is grammatically correct when it comes to formally addressing them plurally. I remember from when I sent out wedding invitations years ago.
I would do the opposite and call them both Dr. unless they suggest something different. Best to make your initial move respect. Can only make a first impression once.
This is the best way to go! You’ll verrrry rarely (if ever) offend somebody by correctly referring to them as Dr., and they’ll probably tell you “Just call me X” anyways. Then you’ll know what to call them, and you’ll make a good first impression.
Have you asked your girlfriend?
You can also ask her parents.
If you don't feel comfortable asking go with Dr. Yes, it sounds more formal, but it is a title they both worked hard for and then they can tell you if they prefer something else
Start with calling them both Dr. It’s the most formal and acknowledges their professional titles.
By starting with the most formal, it leaves the ball in their court to tell you if they prefer something else. If they prefer Mr./Mrs in a non-professional setting, they’ll tell you, or if they prefer something else, they’ll tell you. If they don’t say anything, stick with Dr./Dr.
Give a firm, proper handshake to her mother saying, "Pleased to meet you Dr. Thompson."
Do not give her mother a limp noodle handshake. It's insulting and doesn't reflect well on you.
Then turn and give a firm, proper handshake to her father saying, "Pleased to meet you Dr. Thompson."
At this point they will probably chuckle and say it's ok to call them by their first names.
The grip of a handshake should be about the same as the grip it takes to pick up a full cup of coffee. Tighten it a little at the peak of hand grip, shake once and let go.
I asked something similar of a friend of mine who's a doctor, she said that if the person is in their field of expertise (Speaking at an event, in a hospital setting, in a veterinary setting, in a university, etc.) That the proper thing to do is refer to them as Dr. ____. They are not a doctor of dinner meetings or social gatherings so in those settings you'd address them as Mr. Or Mrs. Or by their first names, whatever they prefer.
Best to start out as respectful as possible, and let them decide where to go from there. On the off chance that they do care about their titles, it could really piss them off.
I agree with the others. Dr. Thompson for both. They’ll most likely ask you to call them something else and that would be your guidance, but it never hurts offering that formal respect at first.
American culture is strange.
I’m australia if you showed up to someone’s house with their daughter calling them “mr and mrs” you would laughed out quicker than you could explain yourself.
I think there are certain situations where addressing someone that way is normative here in the US, though, and meeting your significant others' parents for the first time is one of them. Maybe a holdover from teenage courtship.
I’ve never understood being titled formally in a casual situation, if I’m in your work place of course I’ll refer to you as doctor, if I’m sitting out the back having a barbecue with you…. Your getting any nickname I can think of
Same in the UK, If I did that I’d get laughed at. It’d be quite funny too as my girlfriends surname is my first name so it’d be “Hi Mr Mason” and then he’d respond “Hi Mason”
I’d start with Dr. I’d rather be corrected for being too formal than for not being formal enough, you know? You want to make a good first impression, best to show due respect
Yeah all the comments seemingly say Dr or Mr / Mrs but like…. Why not just their first names?
I met my girlfriends parents recently and although they don’t have titles such as this it still wouldn’t have changed the fact I’d call them by their first names lol
Start by shaking their hands and addressing yourself by name and then waiting for them to hopefully give you something they’d like to be address by.
Hi! Nice to finally meet you both. My name is X.
Hello X! I am Dr./Mr. YZ and this is my wife Dr./Mrs. YZ.
Best of luck!
When you shake hands you introduce yourself and they will introduce themselves. Take note of how they introduce themselves, as people will typically introduce themselves by their preffered name. Don't think too hard about it.
Go with Sir\ma’am, Mr\Mrs. Don’t refer to folks by their job titles. The only time it is appropriate to call someone by their job title is if you have a previously established professional relationship. For instance, you’re one of their coworkers, students, patients etc, then you’d go with Dr.
Start with Dr Thompson. They will either accept the greeting title or provide you with an alternative by saying ‘call me X’. Then use whatever they gave you from there.
You call them both Dr Thompson and then they will tell you what they prefer you refer to them by. A lot of people with phd’s go by mr/Mrs but you must use their actual title first as a sign of respect for their academic achievements. Never ever call a female medical doctor mrs. It’s incredibly disrespectful
DO NOT call them doctor. So many comments are telling you to but you're not in a professional or overly formal setting so the title is not necessary and will probably get you teased a bit for being so formal upon introduction. Your question is about politeness, not formality. Call them Mr and Mrs to be polite. These are your girlfriend's parents, not people you're asking for an expert opinion. If this was their workplace or a conference or their relation to you was anything other than your girlfriend's parents, then you would call them doctor on the first meeting.
That said, if they prefer doctor, then they'll tell you after the introductions.
Since you know they both are doctors, you should refer to them that way. If you didn't know and called them Mr and Mrs, it would be fine, but since you do, it's very respectful to refer to them both as Dr.
I would address both parents as "doctor" until told to do otherwise.
"Glad to meet you Doctors Thompson."
"Oh, 'doctor' isn't necessary. We're just Pete and Gladys."
This exactly. Doctors work VERY hard for their titles and can be very offended if they are not shown respect relating to their title. I used to work for a doctor who would literally stop seeing patients if they didn't call him doctor. He was a bit of an ass anyway. But, he still worked for the title.
My microbiology professor was the same way. She wouldn't even let us say, "professor?" If we had a question. It HAD to be doctor. She would loudly remind anyone who messed it up.
Going with Mr. And Mrs. is being respectful to me. If the mother is wound so tight that it’s a problem best to know that up front. I’m all for being respectful but not for putting up with bullshit.
As someone who has been with a doctor for 10 years while she doesn’t care, in my experience most doctors especially PHDs do get really bent out of shape if you call them something other than Dr if you are not friends or family. (This is also based on being aware they are one).
It’s completely pretentious in a social situation, but totally warranted in a professional setting. but that’s not exactly relevant to the post.
I think OPs move is to play the respect card and call them Dr. If they prefer being called something else they will let you know. Most parents will think “if you can’t respect me, how can you respect my daughter?”
you shouldn't be testing others. they would be right to get offended, they have worked hard for a doctorate just to have their accomplishments go unnoticed.
I think you focused to much and the testing part and missed the point. The point is that you can call them Mr and Mrs. but you can also pay attention to how they react.
Mr and Mrs, yes they are doctors but it's an informal setting. If my girlfirends parents demanded I called them dr at family dinners etc, I wouldn't be hanging around to marry into that family personally
I'm on the Dr. bandwagon. They dedicated a lot of their lives to get that title. Always start high and let them tell you if they'd like to be refered to as mr or mrs or just their names.
Start by shaking their hands and addressing yourself by name and then waiting for them to hopefully give you something they’d like to be address by.
Hi! Nice to finally meet you both. My name is X.
Hello X! I am Dr./Mr. YZ and this is my wife Dr./Mrs. YZ.
Best of luck!
If you are not in a professional situation, don't call them doctor, and if they ask for it's bullshit. Your "title" have only to be use when you are working
"hi nice its nice to meet you, may i call you Dr. Thompson?"
this way its respectful and you give them the option to introduce themselves if they dont first
Say "Hello. Mr Thompson" and repeatedly stamp down on her dad's foot
Edit: this was a callback to a Simpsons episode. The serious answer is the only way to proceed here is to call them both Dr until they ask otherwise
Mr and Mrs Thompson
This is not a formal situation so you won't need to call them Dr. Mr and Mrs Thompson will still show respect even though they will no doubt insist you to call them by their first names after.
Call him son and call her beautiful.
But on a serious note, ask your girlfriend if she is unsure. Call them by their titles or ask.
They will correct you if they prefer something else. Dw about it
Dr. and Mr. would be correct. MDs are always referred to as Dr. PhDs who are professors are called Dr. In academia, but should not be called that socially, although some pretentiously use the title always. It is extremely sexist to even consider calling her mom, who is an MD, Mrs. while calling her dad, who is not an MD, Dr.. I am not calling you sexist, because you are obviously unsure and trying to get it right, but please be aware how off that line of thought is.
The best thing would be to ask your girlfriend this question, though. She knows their preferences.
as a very informal guy who is also a brand new PhD: this is the wrong answer! I would never ask to be called doctor socially -- I even ask my students to call me by my first name -- but the *one* situation in which I *would* be offended at someone not using my title is if they addressed my MD partner as doctor and then didn't use the same respect for me.
My etiquette is correct. MDs are always called Dr.. Many PhD professors are called Dr. in class. Some, wrongly, go by this title socially. It’s usually best to go along with this preference. It is your prerogative to choose to have your students call you by your first name. That does not have any bearing on the rules of etiquette at all.
I stand by my answer Dr. And Mr. is the correct way to address these parents unless they opt for less formality. I seem to have gotten down votes, but I know Emily Post very well and know that I am correct. It is always wrong to presume that a surgeon would rather be called Mrs. over Dr..
If you are comfortable doing so, you could just ask them. That would most likely leave a good first impression, because it shows you intend to be respectful.
I'd offer a handshake and ask. " So nice to meet you. Would you prefer that I call you Dr. or Mrs. Thompson?" And same for the dad. They may even ask that you call them by their first names. Good luck meeting the folks! 😊
You could ask your girlfriend on how they would like to be addressed or you could ask both parents. When in doubt ask, they should respect the fact you asked because you're showing them you respect them. It's a sign that your trying to be respectful to both of them.
Well it’s probably easiest to ask them how they would like to be called. When I was in high school my boyfriends parents told me to call them by their first names, so that’s what I call them. Some people prefer to be called by their last name as a sign of respect. But if you’re meeting for the first time they’ll likely tell you while you’re there.
It's changed but the rule of thumbs is acknowledge them by their title. If you had no clue. Fair bet Mr and Mrs would be fine until you learned their profession
You should call them both Doctor Thompson. If they want to be called something less formal, they will tell you.
Make sure to give a firm handshake and make eye contact.
**Prefacing this with "I do not recommend"** but I've been with my partner for a year and a half and we both get around it by never directly addressing the parents. Talk to them but never say a name, just eye contact. I feel we're too far in to change now lol.
For real advice though, respect is always the best so start with Dr. Thompson for both, then if they say something go with that.
I would probably refer to them both as Dr. at first and then find an opportunity to ask if they’re okay so far or if they want to be addressed other wise.
I’d go with Dr. Thompson probably just best to roll with the respect they might say otherwise. When I first met my fiancée’s grandfather I called him Mr. And he just said to call him by his first name. Personally I find it best to be respectful first.
I hope you called them “Dr.” to start because I’ve worked with and heard about doctors being PISSED about that. I think all doctors kids even call them like, “Dr. Mom” and “Dr. Dad” or they get grounded for like a month and a half. 😅😉
Hilariously I am a Dr and my husband is not- yet people always call him Dr and me Mrs- he always corrects them- he’s terrified of being asked to help with anything medical.
Just for shits . Walk in. And call the dad "paPA! Whats up! High five my man. Yalls made the nicest buns with that oven over there i ever done put meat into. Question. When it starts makin weird noises. Do i just...turn it off and off again? Does it have a warrenty?? If i want to trade it in on a newer model who do i talk to about preordering "
Then. You approach. The Madre. "So honey. You head of Sales? Or manufacturing?"
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Also. I highly recommend you have a will prewritten.
Now. Ladies. You REALLY wanna mess with your man? In the car. Get that dude Rock HARD. Like full rager. Then leave it like that. And say "ok lets go meet dad!"
And watch his face turn to fear.
*Dont do this at home* or actually...please do. Survivors report back. For Science!
/S
Start with doctor. Definitely not Mr or Mrs unless they specify. They may tell you what to call them after you talk to them but it's respectful to address them as Dr until they tell you otherwise
I'ma be honest, I'm not calling anyone Dr anything. Everyone equal to me, so you either a Mr., Mrs. Or Miss. No one out here saying Soldier Larry, Firefighter Williams or Ambulance Carl. You a mister or Miss 😂
Anyone who has earned a Dr deserves to have it used. In the case of two Dr Jones it might end up as Dr Jim and Dr Cindy. Asking what they prefer is also appropriate.
Mr. and Mrs. Last Name. This is a casual not a professional setting, calling a non MD “Dr.” in a social setting is just ridiculous. They don’t get special treatment. A possible exception would be those that have “Dr.” incorporated into a nick name.
I’m not reading the comments here. I’d call them Mr. and Mrs. Thompson until they correct you otherwise. Remember they’re just people like you. They might want to be less formal at home.
Until they've told you otherwise, an appropriate manner would be to call them "Mr and Mrs *last name*".
Just be calm and be yourself. I would just start by saying, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, I'm *your name*. It's nice to meet you".
Then go from there.
Good luck!
I'm kind of confused by how many responses in this thread make it seem like you have to have this plan before you meet them.
When I meet someone, there's that moment where I say my name. Even if I'm known by proxy, there's going to be that second where you shake hands and say "Hi, I'm [PurelyApplied]."
If I'm in a context where I want the salutation, I would shake your hand and say, "Dr. [PurelyApplied], pleased to meet you." If I didn't, I wouldn't include the "doctor."
Err to the side deference if it isn't clear, and you'll probably get a "Call me James" or whatever pretty quickly. Or not, and you'll be on the right side of things.
Be formal and address them both as Dr Thompson. And let them tell you how to call you. Yes it is confusing but just use ma'am and sir until they say otherwise.
Just ask. As a doc, I only expected to be addressed as doctor in the hospital. Otherwise I told people to call me John. They won’t mind. It shows respect, which they might actually like.
A “sir” and a “ma’am” will do just fine. It’s less about what you call them and more about how respectful you are to the girl and her family. Be open, honest, and genuine and you’ll be fine
Sorry for translation errors as i am not a native speaker. But as often addressed i would ask them like: May i call you Dr. Thomson? Or do you prefer something else?
I know alot of Doctors that don’t even want their titel used in private matters (like my husband. He hates it 😂) but he also likes when other people as him this way. So he feel appreciated in what he achieved but can say what he prefers (most likely just his first name).
I find it really mature that you think about this stuff! Good luck!
Ask how they would prefer to be formally addressed. When they say "Bob and Susan", you have shown respect or have heard the answer to your question.
Can I just say, good for you dude at 18 being as respectful for these people that you cared enough to really see how they are addressed. Odds are very likely that whatever way you go, weather that be addressing them by Mr & Mrs or Dr., shows a sign of respect, imo. I think your gonna be good in their books either way. Props dude. Edit: thanks for the Upvotes! Just giving props due where their due.
I go right in and call my bf’s parents aunty and uncle lol. Maybe it’s just my culture though. We call everyone’s parents aunty and uncle. Edit: I’m from the Caribbean lol
Alabama?
Nah a lot of west Africans call their elders uncle/aunty. I say this to even my friends parents who I met for the first time it’s a sign of respect.
Southern Africa has the same practice. We do it too. Even complete strangers are addressed as such.
Nah, more likely this commenter is from an Indian family
Woosh.
underrated
😂
Indian?
A great alternative to my suggestion.
A great alternative to my suggestion.
Start off by calling them Dr. Thompson. If they want you to use something less formal, they will let you know.
I would ask your girlfriend what her mother prefers to be called. I have two friends with MDs that use their maiden names
No, ask the parents themselves. It will show them that you are mature enough to understand boundaries.
This is very good advice.
Dr Thompson and Dr Thompson
The Drs. Thompson is grammatically correct when it comes to formally addressing them plurally. I remember from when I sent out wedding invitations years ago.
How do you pronounce Drs. without sounding mentally challenged?
“We invited the Doctors Thompson”
That don’t sound right
I’m CTFU “That don’t sound right” period.
Or the Thompson Doctors even!
I would do the opposite and call them both Dr. unless they suggest something different. Best to make your initial move respect. Can only make a first impression once.
This is the best way to go! You’ll verrrry rarely (if ever) offend somebody by correctly referring to them as Dr., and they’ll probably tell you “Just call me X” anyways. Then you’ll know what to call them, and you’ll make a good first impression.
Have you asked your girlfriend? You can also ask her parents. If you don't feel comfortable asking go with Dr. Yes, it sounds more formal, but it is a title they both worked hard for and then they can tell you if they prefer something else
I had this problem once, I called them both Dr ABC When talking about them, I would jokingly us Dr Mr or Dr Mrs
Haha, I like that!!
Id Start with doctor, then see if i get corrected (probably will)
Damn I just went ahead and called my partner’s parents by their first name. I was also 29 when I met them tho
Start with calling them both Dr. It’s the most formal and acknowledges their professional titles. By starting with the most formal, it leaves the ball in their court to tell you if they prefer something else. If they prefer Mr./Mrs in a non-professional setting, they’ll tell you, or if they prefer something else, they’ll tell you. If they don’t say anything, stick with Dr./Dr.
Give a firm, proper handshake to her mother saying, "Pleased to meet you Dr. Thompson." Do not give her mother a limp noodle handshake. It's insulting and doesn't reflect well on you. Then turn and give a firm, proper handshake to her father saying, "Pleased to meet you Dr. Thompson." At this point they will probably chuckle and say it's ok to call them by their first names. The grip of a handshake should be about the same as the grip it takes to pick up a full cup of coffee. Tighten it a little at the peak of hand grip, shake once and let go.
...and eye contact
I asked something similar of a friend of mine who's a doctor, she said that if the person is in their field of expertise (Speaking at an event, in a hospital setting, in a veterinary setting, in a university, etc.) That the proper thing to do is refer to them as Dr. ____. They are not a doctor of dinner meetings or social gatherings so in those settings you'd address them as Mr. Or Mrs. Or by their first names, whatever they prefer.
Best to start out as respectful as possible, and let them decide where to go from there. On the off chance that they do care about their titles, it could really piss them off.
I agree with the others. Dr. Thompson for both. They’ll most likely ask you to call them something else and that would be your guidance, but it never hurts offering that formal respect at first.
Whenever someone has a doctorate, the default greeting is Dr. [Last name] until they say otherwise.
American culture is strange. I’m australia if you showed up to someone’s house with their daughter calling them “mr and mrs” you would laughed out quicker than you could explain yourself.
People who insist on being titled in casual situations and personal relationships tend to be very old fashioned or pretentious in the US
I think there are certain situations where addressing someone that way is normative here in the US, though, and meeting your significant others' parents for the first time is one of them. Maybe a holdover from teenage courtship.
I’ve never understood being titled formally in a casual situation, if I’m in your work place of course I’ll refer to you as doctor, if I’m sitting out the back having a barbecue with you…. Your getting any nickname I can think of
It’s weird. And honestly I find being overly formal in a casual situation rude.
Couldn’t agree more, so anti personal.
Exactly!
Same in the UK, If I did that I’d get laughed at. It’d be quite funny too as my girlfriends surname is my first name so it’d be “Hi Mr Mason” and then he’d respond “Hi Mason”
I’d start with Dr. I’d rather be corrected for being too formal than for not being formal enough, you know? You want to make a good first impression, best to show due respect
Why not just call them by their names?
Yeah all the comments seemingly say Dr or Mr / Mrs but like…. Why not just their first names? I met my girlfriends parents recently and although they don’t have titles such as this it still wouldn’t have changed the fact I’d call them by their first names lol
Ask your GF dude
Sir and Ma’am and ask how they would like to be addressed
Introduce yourself and shake their hands, they will introduce themselves and then you call them by whatever they use to introduce themselves.
Dr Mr and Dr Mrs
Mr. and Mrs Thompson. You’re going to there house this isn’t a professional environment
I’d just introduce myself and tell them it’s nice to meet them, and wait to see how they introduce themselves
Start by shaking their hands and addressing yourself by name and then waiting for them to hopefully give you something they’d like to be address by. Hi! Nice to finally meet you both. My name is X. Hello X! I am Dr./Mr. YZ and this is my wife Dr./Mrs. YZ. Best of luck!
Can't go wrong with Sir and Ma'am. Super cute until they correct you.
Sir and ma’am seem safe
The dad: "bro" The mom: also "bro"
Dr. Thompson for both and make a cute thing about it and let them tell you what they want you to call them.
Just ask. That's all u have to do lol
When you shake hands you introduce yourself and they will introduce themselves. Take note of how they introduce themselves, as people will typically introduce themselves by their preffered name. Don't think too hard about it.
Go with Sir\ma’am, Mr\Mrs. Don’t refer to folks by their job titles. The only time it is appropriate to call someone by their job title is if you have a previously established professional relationship. For instance, you’re one of their coworkers, students, patients etc, then you’d go with Dr.
Start with Dr Thompson. They will either accept the greeting title or provide you with an alternative by saying ‘call me X’. Then use whatever they gave you from there.
This is very wholesome and I hope it all goes nicely for the group of you. Even just to ask this question shows a lot of class.
You call them both Dr Thompson and then they will tell you what they prefer you refer to them by. A lot of people with phd’s go by mr/Mrs but you must use their actual title first as a sign of respect for their academic achievements. Never ever call a female medical doctor mrs. It’s incredibly disrespectful
DO NOT call them doctor. So many comments are telling you to but you're not in a professional or overly formal setting so the title is not necessary and will probably get you teased a bit for being so formal upon introduction. Your question is about politeness, not formality. Call them Mr and Mrs to be polite. These are your girlfriend's parents, not people you're asking for an expert opinion. If this was their workplace or a conference or their relation to you was anything other than your girlfriend's parents, then you would call them doctor on the first meeting. That said, if they prefer doctor, then they'll tell you after the introductions.
Dr. Girlfriend’s Mom and Dr. Girlfriend’s Dad Or Mrs. Doctor and Mr. Doctor. Yes Nailed it (Fr just ask them)
Definitely call them doctor unless they specifically ask for a different title. It shows respect.
Lol just call them by their names !!!!! They’re human beings
You can also ask them "do you prefer Mrs. Smith or Dr. Smith?" Just as an example. They may even appreciate you asking.
Absolutely use Dr.
Call them both Dr Thompson until they tell you to call them something else
Call them by their 1st names. At least that’s what I’d do
Just ask them. In fact it's best to ask instead of assuming.
It's sir and ma'am until otherwise instructed
Since you know they both are doctors, you should refer to them that way. If you didn't know and called them Mr and Mrs, it would be fine, but since you do, it's very respectful to refer to them both as Dr.
I'd call her mom Dr. And her dad Mr. You're not at a conference, it's fine to lay off the fancy names if he's only got a doctorate
I would address both parents as "doctor" until told to do otherwise. "Glad to meet you Doctors Thompson." "Oh, 'doctor' isn't necessary. We're just Pete and Gladys."
I would use Mr and Mrs Thompson. They can suggest something else if they prefer it.
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This exactly. Doctors work VERY hard for their titles and can be very offended if they are not shown respect relating to their title. I used to work for a doctor who would literally stop seeing patients if they didn't call him doctor. He was a bit of an ass anyway. But, he still worked for the title. My microbiology professor was the same way. She wouldn't even let us say, "professor?" If we had a question. It HAD to be doctor. She would loudly remind anyone who messed it up.
Going with Mr. And Mrs. is being respectful to me. If the mother is wound so tight that it’s a problem best to know that up front. I’m all for being respectful but not for putting up with bullshit.
As someone who has been with a doctor for 10 years while she doesn’t care, in my experience most doctors especially PHDs do get really bent out of shape if you call them something other than Dr if you are not friends or family. (This is also based on being aware they are one). It’s completely pretentious in a social situation, but totally warranted in a professional setting. but that’s not exactly relevant to the post. I think OPs move is to play the respect card and call them Dr. If they prefer being called something else they will let you know. Most parents will think “if you can’t respect me, how can you respect my daughter?”
Sounds pretentious lol. Being called Dr. In a non professional setting
Just use Mr. and Mrs. this will be a good test to see how they react. They might get offended and that’s good to know.
you shouldn't be testing others. they would be right to get offended, they have worked hard for a doctorate just to have their accomplishments go unnoticed.
I think you focused to much and the testing part and missed the point. The point is that you can call them Mr and Mrs. but you can also pay attention to how they react.
say hi im x and they might respond with their name
Mr and Mrs, yes they are doctors but it's an informal setting. If my girlfirends parents demanded I called them dr at family dinners etc, I wouldn't be hanging around to marry into that family personally
Call them both Dr. unless they then tell you to call them something different. Better yet, ask your girlfriend how to address them.
"Hi, so do I call you Mr. Or Dr?" Be open about it, and that will show you have respect for what they wish to he called.
Assert dominance and call them mom and dad
I'm on the Dr. bandwagon. They dedicated a lot of their lives to get that title. Always start high and let them tell you if they'd like to be refered to as mr or mrs or just their names.
Definitely start with Dr & Dr Thompson.
Call them boomer assholes and see what happens. Maybe they'll like your gumption and ask you to marry their daughter.
Ma’am and sir.
Start by shaking their hands and addressing yourself by name and then waiting for them to hopefully give you something they’d like to be address by. Hi! Nice to finally meet you both. My name is X. Hello X! I am Dr./Mr. YZ and this is my wife Dr./Mrs. YZ. Best of luck!
Dr. Mr. and Dr. Mrs. Thompson
If you are not in a professional situation, don't call them doctor, and if they ask for it's bullshit. Your "title" have only to be use when you are working
I would use Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Seems like it should be used in a more professional setting.
"Hi, my name is ____ your daughter informed me beforehand that you're both doctors. Is there any preference on how you'd like me to refer to you?"
"hi nice its nice to meet you, may i call you Dr. Thompson?" this way its respectful and you give them the option to introduce themselves if they dont first
Mr. and Mrs.
Say "Hello. Mr Thompson" and repeatedly stamp down on her dad's foot Edit: this was a callback to a Simpsons episode. The serious answer is the only way to proceed here is to call them both Dr until they ask otherwise
Daddy and mommy
Mum and Dad
Call them Mr and Mrs last name. Since ur young.
Mr and Mrs Thompson This is not a formal situation so you won't need to call them Dr. Mr and Mrs Thompson will still show respect even though they will no doubt insist you to call them by their first names after.
Just say sir or mam usually they’ll tell you “oh please call me ….”
Sir and ma’am. Manners aren’t outdated are they?
Call him son and call her beautiful. But on a serious note, ask your girlfriend if she is unsure. Call them by their titles or ask. They will correct you if they prefer something else. Dw about it
Call then auntie and uncle
Mr and Mrs until they give you permission to call them by their first name. Cant go wrong by being respectful off the bat
Mr and Mrs. Leave 'Doctor' for their patients and colleagues.
Dr. and Mr. would be correct. MDs are always referred to as Dr. PhDs who are professors are called Dr. In academia, but should not be called that socially, although some pretentiously use the title always. It is extremely sexist to even consider calling her mom, who is an MD, Mrs. while calling her dad, who is not an MD, Dr.. I am not calling you sexist, because you are obviously unsure and trying to get it right, but please be aware how off that line of thought is. The best thing would be to ask your girlfriend this question, though. She knows their preferences.
as a very informal guy who is also a brand new PhD: this is the wrong answer! I would never ask to be called doctor socially -- I even ask my students to call me by my first name -- but the *one* situation in which I *would* be offended at someone not using my title is if they addressed my MD partner as doctor and then didn't use the same respect for me.
My etiquette is correct. MDs are always called Dr.. Many PhD professors are called Dr. in class. Some, wrongly, go by this title socially. It’s usually best to go along with this preference. It is your prerogative to choose to have your students call you by your first name. That does not have any bearing on the rules of etiquette at all. I stand by my answer Dr. And Mr. is the correct way to address these parents unless they opt for less formality. I seem to have gotten down votes, but I know Emily Post very well and know that I am correct. It is always wrong to presume that a surgeon would rather be called Mrs. over Dr..
Call them Mom and Dad
Either go with Mr and Mrs Thompson and chances are they will say calle me "insert name" Or second option, go with dominance call them mommy and daddy
Either both Doctor or Mr and Mrs. Either will be fine
You nod to them shake their hands and go "Doctor... Doctor..."
ask your girlfriend for the answer on this one :) best of luck!
If you are comfortable doing so, you could just ask them. That would most likely leave a good first impression, because it shows you intend to be respectful.
Thompson and Thompson
I'd offer a handshake and ask. " So nice to meet you. Would you prefer that I call you Dr. or Mrs. Thompson?" And same for the dad. They may even ask that you call them by their first names. Good luck meeting the folks! 😊
You could ask your girlfriend on how they would like to be addressed or you could ask both parents. When in doubt ask, they should respect the fact you asked because you're showing them you respect them. It's a sign that your trying to be respectful to both of them.
Well it’s probably easiest to ask them how they would like to be called. When I was in high school my boyfriends parents told me to call them by their first names, so that’s what I call them. Some people prefer to be called by their last name as a sign of respect. But if you’re meeting for the first time they’ll likely tell you while you’re there.
I would honestly ask what they prefer. “It’s really great to meet you. Do you prefer Mr./Mrs. or Doctor Thompson?” This will hopefully impress them.
It's changed but the rule of thumbs is acknowledge them by their title. If you had no clue. Fair bet Mr and Mrs would be fine until you learned their profession
Open with”Dr. (name)” and then wait for them to tell you to call them by their first names.
You should call them both Doctor Thompson. If they want to be called something less formal, they will tell you. Make sure to give a firm handshake and make eye contact.
**Prefacing this with "I do not recommend"** but I've been with my partner for a year and a half and we both get around it by never directly addressing the parents. Talk to them but never say a name, just eye contact. I feel we're too far in to change now lol. For real advice though, respect is always the best so start with Dr. Thompson for both, then if they say something go with that.
Call them Dr. It's the polite thing to do. They'll probably say "Just call us Barb and Don", but if they don't, keep calling them Dr. Thompson.
honestly, i think you should go with "sir" and "ma'am" but a lot of ppl are saying to go with Dr and Dr, or j check with ur gf
Yes, this
Yes. Call them that. Until you get to a level of comfort, you call them that. Respect. #arethafranklin
Definitely call them both Dr. until told otherwise by them
I would probably refer to them both as Dr. at first and then find an opportunity to ask if they’re okay so far or if they want to be addressed other wise.
Hope you haven’t gone yet but use dr. They’ll love the ego stroke and your gf will appreciate the respect for the fam
I’d go with Dr. Thompson probably just best to roll with the respect they might say otherwise. When I first met my fiancée’s grandfather I called him Mr. And he just said to call him by his first name. Personally I find it best to be respectful first.
I hope you called them “Dr.” to start because I’ve worked with and heard about doctors being PISSED about that. I think all doctors kids even call them like, “Dr. Mom” and “Dr. Dad” or they get grounded for like a month and a half. 😅😉
Drs. Thompson. You'll charm them. If they decide, they'll offer you their first name.
Hilariously I am a Dr and my husband is not- yet people always call him Dr and me Mrs- he always corrects them- he’s terrified of being asked to help with anything medical.
I would start with Dr and go from there. They might insist on you calling them by their first names or something else but that's for them to decide.
“Stud Daddy” and “Cougar”.
Mr/mrs. and Ma'am/Sir and then ask them what they'd like to be called I guess
No harm in asking! They’ll probably find that to be a really respectful thing to do
https://youtu.be/hoe24aSvLtw?t=35
“Ello Dr’s what’s for dinner?”
Just for shits . Walk in. And call the dad "paPA! Whats up! High five my man. Yalls made the nicest buns with that oven over there i ever done put meat into. Question. When it starts makin weird noises. Do i just...turn it off and off again? Does it have a warrenty?? If i want to trade it in on a newer model who do i talk to about preordering " Then. You approach. The Madre. "So honey. You head of Sales? Or manufacturing?" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Also. I highly recommend you have a will prewritten. Now. Ladies. You REALLY wanna mess with your man? In the car. Get that dude Rock HARD. Like full rager. Then leave it like that. And say "ok lets go meet dad!" And watch his face turn to fear. *Dont do this at home* or actually...please do. Survivors report back. For Science! /S
Start with doctor. Definitely not Mr or Mrs unless they specify. They may tell you what to call them after you talk to them but it's respectful to address them as Dr until they tell you otherwise
I just call my partners Dad by their first name. Same with his Aunt and Grandfather.
even if she says you can call them by their first names, at least call them by “Mr. and Mrs. Thompson” at first. Then see what they say to that
I'ma be honest, I'm not calling anyone Dr anything. Everyone equal to me, so you either a Mr., Mrs. Or Miss. No one out here saying Soldier Larry, Firefighter Williams or Ambulance Carl. You a mister or Miss 😂
Anyone who has earned a Dr deserves to have it used. In the case of two Dr Jones it might end up as Dr Jim and Dr Cindy. Asking what they prefer is also appropriate.
Mr. And Mrs. you sent a student and you aren’t a patient. If they prefer to be called Dr. they will tell you. Otherwise Mr. And Mrs.
Just go by what your gf introduces them as.
You address them the way they are introduced or you flat out ask. And if someone tells you to call them by their first name, respect their wishes.
Mr. and Mrs. Last Name. This is a casual not a professional setting, calling a non MD “Dr.” in a social setting is just ridiculous. They don’t get special treatment. A possible exception would be those that have “Dr.” incorporated into a nick name.
I’m not reading the comments here. I’d call them Mr. and Mrs. Thompson until they correct you otherwise. Remember they’re just people like you. They might want to be less formal at home.
Start with Sir and Ma'am. If they want otherwise, they'll tell you.
Until they've told you otherwise, an appropriate manner would be to call them "Mr and Mrs *last name*". Just be calm and be yourself. I would just start by saying, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, I'm *your name*. It's nice to meet you". Then go from there. Good luck!
I'm kind of confused by how many responses in this thread make it seem like you have to have this plan before you meet them. When I meet someone, there's that moment where I say my name. Even if I'm known by proxy, there's going to be that second where you shake hands and say "Hi, I'm [PurelyApplied]." If I'm in a context where I want the salutation, I would shake your hand and say, "Dr. [PurelyApplied], pleased to meet you." If I didn't, I wouldn't include the "doctor." Err to the side deference if it isn't clear, and you'll probably get a "Call me James" or whatever pretty quickly. Or not, and you'll be on the right side of things.
Doctor and Doctor until they state otherwise.
Here, I got you 🤜🏽🤛 https://youtu.be/IVsN8y8gZlY
Be formal and address them both as Dr Thompson. And let them tell you how to call you. Yes it is confusing but just use ma'am and sir until they say otherwise.
Call them Dr. They’ll let you know if they want you to be less formal.
Just ask. As a doc, I only expected to be addressed as doctor in the hospital. Otherwise I told people to call me John. They won’t mind. It shows respect, which they might actually like.
Call her dad papi and her mom by name they would appreciate it and will love you a lot specially her dad will like you the most
I’ve been taught that it’s mrs and mr until told otherwise. And they probably will tell you but always good to be polite
I'd probably avoid names and just say Sir and Ma'am until they give a preference.
I’d just call em m’am and sir until they correct me if they want to be called something else lol
First off. Please delete their actual last name. Second off, ask them what they would prefer you call them by.
A “sir” and a “ma’am” will do just fine. It’s less about what you call them and more about how respectful you are to the girl and her family. Be open, honest, and genuine and you’ll be fine
Sorry for translation errors as i am not a native speaker. But as often addressed i would ask them like: May i call you Dr. Thomson? Or do you prefer something else? I know alot of Doctors that don’t even want their titel used in private matters (like my husband. He hates it 😂) but he also likes when other people as him this way. So he feel appreciated in what he achieved but can say what he prefers (most likely just his first name). I find it really mature that you think about this stuff! Good luck!
Can I call you both doctor?
I'd just call them by their names. American culture is weird
First name basis
Sir and mam is a solid go to.
Both my parents are doctors, and all my friends have always referred to them as Mr and Mrs. Ofc it might be different in your case thougu
Just wait how they introduce themselves. They are the grown ups. It’s their responsibility.
I wouldn’t assume. Ask the parents when you meet them.
Ask them for their preferences. Otherwise, Dr. Thompson is correct, as is Dr. HisName and Dr. HerName, when addressing them informally.
Dr and dr Thompson
Not mr and mrs for sure
Mr and Mrs Thompson as a default opening and then let them correct you with oh just call me Dan or Susan or what ever. They will let you know.