It occurs to me that, of all the early stages of a relationship, for me meeting a girlfriend's parents is right up there at the top of the list of 'Things that I'd Much Rather Not Do If I Had the Choice'. The fact is, however, that I don't really get the choice. As she says, I've got away with it for long enough.
I'm going to have to go.
And from the moment I agree to go Alison begins briefing me on her parents as if she's planning a military operation (which, in many ways, she is). I'm informed of what to do, what not to do, and what will be expected of me. And if that's not enough, I'm tested on a daily basis.