If you're a guy and you're getting serious with your girlfriend, it's possible you feel threatened by your soon to be father-in-law. You may feel like he protects her as if she's still a little girl.

One of the best ways to break through this protection is to connect better with the father. You can do this by getting involved in a hobby that he enjoys. Let's say he likes fixing things around the house. Grab a screwdriver and join him on the next handy man special.

If you can start by enjoying each other's company, doing things he already likes, you'll be on your way to building a relationship together.