Meeting His Parents For The First Time: Here Are 7 Mistakes To Avoid
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What’s more daunting than asking out the object of your affections? Meeting their folks!
Meeting your SO’s parents marks a significant milestone in a relationship. It determines what comes next and if you’ve decided to enter into the bond of matrimony, then this meeting becomes all the more important. Because it’s no longer a casual meet-and-greet, rather it’s where you’re supposed to meet your future in-laws, as in your future family. In these circumstances, it becomes crucial to make the right impression.
So, you’ve finally reached a stage in your relationship where you’re ready to meet his parents? Well, our hearty congratulations on making it so far. So, what’s next? Don’t worry if you are experiencing a range of emotions which is making you doubt your capabilities to present yourself as a fully-functioning human being in front of your SO’s parents. It happens to the best of us.
In order to help you, we have prepared a list of 7 deadly mistakes that you need to avoid if you want to make a great impression on his folks. So go ahead, soothe your nerves by giving it a read.
1. Get Your Meet-Cute Story Straight
If you’ve met your SO on a boozy night out or hooked up with them after a random conversation, you might not want to reveal these details in front of his parents when the inevitable, “How did you guys meet?” comes up. Instead, it’s a great idea to come up with something generic like you met through mutual friends or that you studied together and reconnected.
And don’t forget to loop in your SO so he can get his story straight as well. After all, you don’t want to be telling two different how-you-met stories at the dinner table.
2. Dial Down The PDA
It’s great that you love each other with a passion of a thousand suns. And we totally get it, if you’re at a stage in your relationship where it’s difficult to keep your hands off each other. After all, you’re young only once.
But you need to dial it down in front of his parents, out of respect for them. Even if they’re a super cool, being able to digest PDA is not everyone’s cup of tea.
3. Manners Maketh The Perfect Bahu
Remember those etiquette lessons that your mother worked so hard to hardwire in your brain? It’s time to recall them. Don’t go to meet your SO’s parents emptyhanded, if you can’t think of anything else, get flowers. Also, leave your phone off the dinner table and of course, thank your hosts for the gracious meal.
Remember these and you’re sure to win them over with your effortless charm and pleasing personality.
4. Do Your Research
Before meeting them, sit with your partner and get to know the likes and dislikes of his parents. We’re not asking you to do so because we want you to mold yourself according to their preferences. The idea is that you’re aware of what to expect so you are not caught unaware. This will help you avoid conversational sinking holes and will also create a good impression on your partner that you’re taking so much effort for his parents.
5. Don’t Overdo It With The Booze
Even if they are the “cool” parents, try to avoid drinking. If everyone is having a drink you can also have a drink or two, but keep a watch on your intake. Drinking in front of his family is never a good idea, as it will lower your inhibitions and you might just say something that you’ll regret later.
Also, you don’t want them to see you slurring in your speech or being unable to stand on your feet. Steer clear from alcohol, if possible.
6. Overstaying Your Welcome Is A No-No
If you happen to meet his parents in a family function or over the holidays, make the most of it. It’s one of the few times when you will get to see the entire family in their elements. But don’t hang around longer than you’re required to. Know when to make an exit. Doing so will not only save you from awkward conversations but it will also allow your partner to spend some one-on-one time with his family.
They will also appreciate this courtesy.
7. Don’t Be Someone That You Are Not
This is one of the most important pieces of advice when it comes to meeting the parents of your beau. Don’t be someone you’re not. Be yourself, and give honest and genuine opinions. If you think you’re heading on the wrong track conversationally, smartly direct the conversation elsewhere. Don’t feel pressurized to be a yes-woman.
We hope we were able to take some pressure off you. Remember the trick to get through this meeting smoothly is to be you and be considerate.
You have any more tips for someone meeting their SO’s parents for the first time? Share them with us in the comments.
