Meeting Girlfriends Parents/Playing Poker Summer Job

[Quadstriker]

Been in this spot before.
Do not mention poker or gambling in any way. Do not do it. There is absolutely nothing good that can come from it.

At the very *least*, you will have to deal with 12,921 annoying questions. You will enjoy hearing such orignal wonders as "But how much have you lost?" and "Isn't that illegal?"

*Slightly* less annoying (but still a pain) is when they actually have a passing interest. "Poker? I saw this guy on TV last week and he was in the Big Bluff and said ALL IN with Big Stick not suited." or "Wow! You play poker?! Me too! I was in this bar tournament last tuesday...(This is when you slit your wrist)"

If you're not planning on making poker your career IT IS NOT WORTH THE TROUBLE to even bring it up. Trust me.

[waarior]

Op,

I am with all those who say if they ask just bring it up. End of story. Really no need worrying about it.

I just received my Masters and am not working and used to worry about this subject a bunch. Used to hesitate when answering this question and it made me seem like a bum. So I just tell the truth and almost everyone actually thinks its cool.
Sometimes some people ask gambling/profitably/legality aspect questions. And I just say I'm doing very well and the conversation moves on.

Its really not a big deal unless you make it one, and to not be forthcoming about it makes it seem more shady.

[mak15]

definitely just say you play poker. has worked fine for me.

[jschaud]

[ QUOTE ]
"I'm studying Bayes' theorem, specifically conditional probability as it relates to multiple variables and large distributions under multiple cycles of human decisions."

[/ QUOTE ]

winner

[Go_Blue88]

honestly, ppl exaggerate the negative opinions of others when it comes to poker.

if you answer with confidence and explain how the game came naturally to you and how you could make a good amount of money that will set you up for future endeavors, ppl won't think you suck at life.

i told my girlfriend's dad and i tell ppl all the time if they ask.

i graduated w/ a BA in English and Philosophy and got a job that has nothing to do with that. so when ppl look surprised and ask how i got the job, i explain that i got it through poker.

i dunno, just don't act ashamed of what you do just b/c you anticipate a negative response.

[MatthewRyan]

OP- if you do not have enough confidence to be straightfoward and honest with them I think you are a pussy.

When they ask, get real serious and lower your voice a bit, then confidently tell them the truth. They will respect you

Of course, if you dont have the balls the alternative is to make up some lies and hope it works out

[southerndog]

Dude, two words :Customer Service. And its not even technically lying.

BTW, I've NEVER had a hard time explaining to people the whole idea of playing poker.

[Quadstriker]

Sounds like I'm in the minority here saying not to mention poker. If ya'll really haven't had any problems/annoyances explaining poker to people, grats! Wish I could say the same.

[happyhappyhappy]

I'd be truthful and put the onus back on him.

Also, be sure and check out the mom thoroughly, because that is what you're really getting yourself into if you stay with this girl.

[traz]

What do YOU do for a living sir????