Meeting your partner’s dad can feel like stepping into a time machine, where you’re bombarded with questions from a different era. These aren’t just any questions—they’re the sort that leave you scratching your head and wondering if there's a hidden camera somewhere.

‘How much do you pay for petrol?’ You might think you have a rough idea, but your answer will never be precise enough. A safe bet might be to laugh it off with a ‘Ha, too much!’ hoping it communicates that you’re not entirely clueless.

‘Where’s your stopcock?’ This is one of those questions that makes you question your life choices. Does anyone really know where their stopcock is? And why is it a topic of interest? Maybe all dads are secretly in a club where they talk about water mains and smoke alarms.

‘How long is the warranty on your fridge?’ Everyone has that drawer of ‘important papers’ where appliance warranties go to die. If pressed, just say ‘Two years’—it sounds responsible enough.

‘Where’s the nearest Screwfix?’ Ah, a question you might actually know the answer to! Even if you’ve never set foot in one, confidently point towards the nearest retail park. A little bluffing goes a long way.

‘What size engine is your lawnmower?’ Owning an electric mower might already put you on the back foot, but try not to panic. Mention something that sounds like engine jargon—just avoid saying it’s 10cc unless you’re sure it’s not a band you’re referencing.

‘What mortgage are you on?’ This question is the ultimate test. Fixed or variable? Three years or five? Even if you don’t know, just smile and nod confidently. Surely, the only acceptable answer is inheriting a mansion, but it never hurts to guess.