Evaluate your reasons for wanting to meet your boyfriend's parents before you decide to proceed. It's understandable that you'd like to know more about him and getting to know his parents will accomplish that. But if your eagerness to meet them stems from a desire to brag to your friends about it, it might not be the right reason to forge ahead.

Remember that honesty is the foundation of all good relationships, so it's important to discuss your feelings with your boyfriend. Don't just tell him you want to meet his parents; share your reasons for wanting to do so. If it's primarily because you love him and feel this would demonstrate his love for you, tell him this.

Remember that individuals in a relationship move at different paces. Be sensitive to his feelings. Just because he doesn't feel inclined to introduce you to his parents yet does not necessarily mean he doesn't love you. Telling him you'd like to meet his parents "when he feels ready" is a gentle way to introduce the idea without adding pressure.

Ask him about his relationship with his parents. It's possible he doesn't get along very well with them, and his reluctance to have you meet them has nothing to do with you. Perhaps he is embarrassed about his parents and is worried about your reaction toward them. An open, honest discussion about his feelings should help clarify things.

Suggest he meet your parents first -- this will be easier for you to do. If that goes well, it might naturally follow that he will suggest you meet his parents, or you might tell him you'd like to meet his parents and ask when he thinks that could be possible.

Consider possible added complications that require your patience. If your boyfriend is from a different culture or religious background, he might be concerned about his parents' reaction to you. Don't interpret that as a personal attack. Be sympathetic to the fact that your boyfriend might be struggling with his deep feelings for you and the inevitable pain he knows it will bring his parents.