How To Leave A Good Impression On Your Partner's Parents & 10 Things To Definitely Avoid
How To Leave A Good Impression On Your Partner's Parents & 10 Things To Definitely Avoid
What To Do When Meeting Your Partner's Parents For The First Time
Whenever you get into a new relationship, you likely have a thought lingering in the back of your mind about what it's going to be like with his/her parents. Everyone gets nervous having to meet new people, but if it's someone as important as your potential in-laws, the stakes are its highest. If just the thought of it makes you nervous, don't worry, we've got 10 useful tips to share with you on how to leave a good first impression. On the flip side, we've also listed 10 things you definitely want to avoid doing.
1. Show Genuine Interest in Their Lives
People really appreciate it when others listen to what they have to say attentively and actively. If you want to make a good first impression on your partner's parents, listen carefully to what their likes and dislikes are, and ask further questions. This just shows them that you care about getting to know them better.
2. Offer Your Assistance
If you're meeting your potential future in-laws at their house, do your part and offer to help around the house. It can be as simple as setting the table before dinner or washing the dishes after. If you get the opportunity to offer your assistance for a personal project, even better! It's a great way to get to know them better and showcase how kind and caring you are.
3. Compliment Them
The moment you step foot into their home, throw out a genuine compliment. Point out something you like about the house, or if you're meeting them for dinner, make sure you let them know how delicious it is. People love receiving compliments, and it's a quick and easy way to get things off on the right step.
4. Show Up With A Gift
If you really want to put in the extra effort to impress, don't show up empty-handed. It doesn't need to be an expensive gift, just a bottle of wine will do. It's all about the intention and meaning rather than the amount spent. Going out of your way to prepare a gift just means you've put some thought into meeting them.
5. Share Your Future Plans
All parents really care about is that their child is healthy and well, and is with someone who supports and cares for them. To really demonstrate how much of a responsible and reliable person you are, talk about your future plans. From your career goals to your plans with your partner, let them know that you mean business. You're not here to just fool around!
6. Show Affection to Your Partner
One sweet way to let your partner's parents know how much you love their son/daughter is to show some gentle affection towards them. No, we don't mean kissing or big displays of hugging (keep that stuff private), we're talking about saying nice things about one another, smiling at each other, and any other form of respectful affection.
7. Take Interest In Their Hobbies
Show your partner's parents that you're interested in getting closer by engaging in some of their favorite hobbies. Whether it's gardening, cooking, sports, movies, or whatever, listen closely to what activities they like. It's the best way to get some bonding time together!
8. Respect Their Traditions
Every family is different. How your family chooses to celebrate something can be entirely different from someone else's. That's why, when you step foot in your partner's household, be respectful of whatever traditions they may follow. Doing so will definitely make them see you in a positive light.
9. Be On Time
Whether it's heading to a job interview, showing up at the movie theatre, or meeting your partner's parents, you should always try to be on time. Showing up late, unless there's a serious emergency, just comes off as disrespectful. If you want to show them that you're a dependable and responsible person, keep your eye on the clock!
10. Handle Conflict Well
Sometimes, conflict and disagreements happen. Instead of panicking, stay calm. Things won't get ugly unless you make it so. Don't freak out, just do your best to navigate out of the conflict with maturity and grace. It's certainly one way to impress them!
1. Don't Be Dismissive of Their Advice
If your partner's parents offer you some advice, even if you don't agree, don't dismiss it outright. It came from the right place and they're just trying to be kind to you. It's your job to be respectful and take into consideration their perspective before shutting it down right away.
2. Don't Dominate the Conversation
Whenever you meet anyone for the first time, it's just common courtesy that you don't dominate the conversation. Don't make it all about you. It's a two-way street - they should get to know more about you and vice versa. Just make sure you remember to include them in the conversation and ask questions about them too.
3. Steer Clear of Controversial Topics
For the first meeting, avoid any potential awkward moments by steering clear of controversial or sensitive topics. There's just no need to talk about those kinds of things when you're meeting someone for the first time. All it might do is create tension and an uncomfortable environment.
4. Don't Overdrink
Sure, drinking a bit is often seen as socially acceptable, but going super hard and getting drunk is definitely not. The last thing you want to do when trying to impress your partner's parents is say something you regret. It'll surely leave a sour taste in their mouth seeing you act so inappropriately and sloppy.
5. Avoid Overstepping Boundaries
All those years of practicing your social skills will certainly come into use when faced with an awkward situation. If you accidentally broach a sensitive topic, read the signals and get out of there fast. Trying to act closer than you actually are will only set you up for failure.
6. Don't Criticize Anything
Until you get closer where you're comfortable speaking freely, do your best to hold back on any critique or negative comments you have. Whether it's about their home, their cooking, or even personal choices, just don't say anything. There's no need to put yourself in a bad spot.
7. Don’t Use Your Phone Excessively
We know you love being on your phone, but if you genuinely care about making a good first impression, put it away for the next 2 hours. Constantly being on your phone, scrolling through social media, or texting friends just looks rude. It makes you come across as not caring about the person in front of you.
8. Avoid Bringing Up Past Relationships
Remember, the people you're talking to - those are you current partner's parents. So no, they don't have any interest hearing about your past relationships. It's definitely a good idea to keep that one to yourself.
9. Don't Interrupt
Be on your best behavior and show off all your amazing conversational skills by remembering this one important rule: don't interrupt others when they're talking. Patiently wait for your turn to speak so that you can show them how polite and respectful you are.
10. Avoid Bragging or Being Arrogant
Yes, while you do want your partner's parents to know how amazing you are as a person, be careful not to overdo it. Take it too far and it'll just make you seem cocky or arrogant!