When I went on my first date with my sons mother I remember being terrified of her dad. He wasn't big or mean looking or anything but he was quiet and I knew he was a hunter. He turned out to be a great guy and we STILL talk.
My current gf's dad is similar except he IS big, looks REALLY mean and liked to 'express' himself.On our first date he answered the door with a pump shotgun. I still don't know what kind it was. She was home early.