Meeting your partner’s parents over the holidays? Here are 9 tips for making the best impression
The holiday season is all about spending time with family and loved ones — and sometimes, it’s also the season of “meeting the in-laws.”
It’s an opportune time to meet your partner’s family and see how well you fit in. Of course, there’s also the added pressure of making a good first impression
While it can be nerve-wracking to enter this milestone, there are some things you can do to make sure the important moment isn’t a complete disaster.
Relationship experts at DatingAdvice.com shared some tips and tricks to help avoid any awkwardness when meeting the parents this holiday season.
Don’t come empty-handed
We all have that friend who doesn’t show up to any event without at least a little something to give — and everyone adores them.
Why? Everyone loves getting gifts, and it’s always nice to know that you were thought of.
It also doesn’t have to be anything extravagant or expensive.
Showing up with flowers, a bottle of wine, homemade treats or anything of the sort is a gesture that won’t be forgotten. A little extra effort can make all the difference.
Learn names
Becoming familiar with names will show your partner’s parents that you care and that you’re invested in their child, according to DatingAdvice.
Take the time to really learn the names of the people you’ll be meeting at the holiday gathering and practice putting faces to names. Ask your partner to pull up pictures and walk you through their family members and loved ones.
Take note of body language
If you’re not sure whether to go in for a hug or opt for a handshake when meeting your partner’s family, look for hints from body language, the dating experts advise.
Start by planning to extend your hand for a shake and see how the person responds. If they extend their hand back, go in for the shake and know you made the right choice.
“If their body language gives off major ‘This is a hugging family’ vibe, however, then feel free to go in for the close,” DatingAdvice wrote.
“Either way, make sure you’ve showered and groomed yourself appropriately. Nicknames like ‘Guy With The Onion Breath’ tend to stick.”
Show interest in your partner’s childhood
Ask your partner’s family and loved ones about their upbringing.
Topics such as what they were like in high school, favorite memories and more are an automatic ice breaker, and there’s an endless amount of content to go around.
Listen as much as you talk
The team at DatingAdvice emphasized that your first impression should not look like a one-man standup comedy show.
“As with any relationship in life, balance is key. It’s kinda like that $15 shared between you and your best friend: You give a little, they give a little, and the behavior repeats on and on in a never-ending cycle of back-and-forth Venmo requests,” the team said.
Don’t talk too much, but rather participate in active listening. Don’t take over the discussion, but also don’t remain completely silent — a good 50/50 ratio is a safe spot.
Don’t joke at your partner’s expense
Sure, it’s easy to find common ground with a partner’s loved ones — especially their siblings — about the weird and quirky things that they do.
But DatingAdvice warns that this is not the time for that.
You’re there to show that you’re a good match for your partner, so stay positive and show your support.
Offer to assist with clean up
Always offer to help. It’s thoughtful and shows that you recognize how much work your partner’s family has gone through for the meal.
Most likely, your significant other’s parents will decline your offer — but don’t risk not asking. And if they do decline, make sure they know your offer was genuine by offering again later in the evening.
Don’t drink too much
A holiday gathering with your SO’s family is not the time or place to try to find the sweet spot between being tipsy and being drunk.
Keep it to a safe limit and make sure you don’t go too crazy. The DatingAdvice team also emphasized not to show up high.
“A little bit of weed can be great for calming the nerves, but it’s important that you’re alert for these kinds of interrogations — I mean, introductions.”
Participate in family games
“I don’t care who you are, how old you are, or what you’ve accomplished in life — no one is too good for table games,” the DatingAdvice team stated.
Games are great icebreakers and a sure way to find a bonding moment — and maybe even some inside jokes will be made.
