11 Things to remember when your partner meets your parents
When you’re in a serious relationship you’re eventually going to meet your partner’s parents and they’ll meet yours. This is going to be nerve-wracking for everyone involved but you can help ease your partner’s nerves because you have insider information that can help them get along with your parents because they’ll need more than good manners to impress them.
1) Your parents need time to prepare themselves
You need to remember to give your parents plenty of time to prepare themselves for meeting your partner because if you give them short notice they’re going to feel more nervous and will wonder why you’re in a rush. This will make the meeting more difficult for them so it’s best to give them a week or two’s notice. By giving them time, you’re letting them get their nerves under control and a chance for them to think about what to talk about or how to act during the meeting.
2) You need to come up with conversation ideas beforehand
Having conversation topics in mind before the meeting will help because you can avoid awkward silences that might happen due to everyone being nervous and trying to make a good impression. You can share with your partner some of your ideas so they join in at the right time instead of always waiting for you to start the conversation. Topics that are usually safe are things like hobbies, favorite tv shows or movies, what you do at work and other neutral issues. Your insider information about your parents means you know what they like to talk about so think about what you’ve talked to them about in the past because you can have a similar conversation again since it’ll be new for your partner.
3) Your partner needs to know what topics to avoid
They might know to avoid obvious topics like politics, religion and sex but might think that some of the stories you’ve told them in the past aren’t a big deal. This could lead to them mentioning something that upsets your parents which can ruin the meeting so think about what you’ve told them and decide if there’s anything they need to keep to themselves
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4) Good manners go a long way
Good manners go a long way with making a good first impression and making people like you so you need to act the right way when meeting your partner’s parents and when your partner meets yours. You should always bring a hostess gift and arrive on time because that shows them respect. You should also do things like hold open doors or pull out chairs for the women, try not to interrupt other people when they’re talking and keep up your end of the conversation so they know you’re actually interested in what they’re saying.
5) Body language is as important as good manners
Body language is just as important as good manners because acting the wrong way can make your partner’s parents think you don’t like them. You and your partner need to look happy about meeting the parents instead of looking nervous so make sure you smile and make eye contact. You should also lean close when talking to show them you’re interested and don’t do any negative gestures like crossing your arms or leaning away from them.
6) You can’t be too romantic in front of your parents
Your parents don’t want to think of you having a romantic love life because you’re their child so you need to keep your emotions and behaviour in check. You can be affectionate with your partner but keep romantic gestures subtle so you don’t make your parents uncomfortable. You can do things like hold their hand, put your arm around their shoulder and a small kiss because this shows your parents that you truly love her without going overboard.
7) It’s better to meet in a public place
Meeting in a public place like a restaurant will help make the meeting go more smoothly because it’s a neutral place and it can give you something to talk about. A restaurant puts less pressure on your parents because they won’t have to clean the house and it can be a fun place to meet. If you get stuck for something to talk about you can mention how good the food is or how you like the decor.
8) You need to control the meeting
Your parents and your partner are the most important people in your life and you want them to get along but first you need to break the ice between them. You can do this by gently taking control of the meeting so that starts off on the right foot. Introduce your parents to your partner and start the conversation. Tell your parents that you’ve been looking forward to this and that it means a lot to you then start talking about something that all of you can relate to.
9) Talk to your partner about how you met
Dating apps like adultfriendfinder review are popular ways to meet people now but people are still embarrassed to admit they’ve met their partner on one of these sites. Your parents might be old enough to think of dating sites like Victoria Milan as being dirty or bad so they won’t think highly of your partner. If you met your partner this way then you probably lied to your parents about how you met and you don’t want your partner mentioning the truth. You need to tell your partner what you’ve told your parents so that your stories match.
10) You should have an excuse to leave early
You need to have an excuse to leave early in case the meeting goes badly or if it drags on and no one wants to be the person who ends it because they don’t want to be rude. You can mention to your parents that you have to get up early for work and that you can only stay for an hour or two so they won’t feel offended when you have to leave. You could also use excuses like not feeling well or having to pick something up at the store before it closes.
11) First impressions are everything
When meeting your partner’s parents or them meeting yours, you have to remember that first impressions are everything because it’s hard to change opinions once they’ve made their minds up. You need to plan as much in advance as you can and talk to your partner about any doubts or fears you have. Be on time for the meeting, dress nicely, use good manners and keep the mood light so that you have a better chance of success.
She is working as writer for diferent websites. She has published many hand-books about adult dating and relationships.
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