One of the biggest decisions you can ever make is asking your girlfriend to marry you. Lucky for you, the easy part could actually be proposing if already know that she'll take one look at that shiny rock and accept your offer in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, there might be something else that has you waking up at night in a cold sweat--having to speak to your dear (or not so dear) father-in-law-to-be about your intentions with his daughter.

While this tradition may be fading fast, it is still something that you should consider doing as a sign of respect for her family. Not only will it score you brownie points with your future in-laws, it will also make you look like a fearless man hunk in your fiance's eyes. Haven't met her father before? Then you should make an effort to meet and spend a little time together before springing the news on him. This will give you a chance to gauge his temperament so you know if you need to wear protective armor to your later meeting.

If he is located in another state or country, track down his number through her cell phone and make the call. A conversation like this is usually best if done in private--just the two of you. If you're scared of being alone in the room with the man, then bring him to a public place, like a park or restaurant, where witnesses could stop him from jumping across the table and throttling you. If she has two dads (stepdad and real dad) then you have to ask twice.

This is one conversation where you don't want to beat around the bush. Tell him exactly why you want to marry his daughter. The more you compliment her, the better it will make her dad feel. Make sure that he knows how serious you are by laying out your intentions. The last thing he wants to think is that you're a shmuck who will leave his princess high and dry when the going gets rough. Also, it is good to mention HOW you plan on providing for her just in case they are concerned with your financial situation.