In-laws can be really tough to please.
One of the most prominent relationship milestones throughout the course of human civilization is the meeting of the partner’s parents. It’s no small feat for couples to take part in this significant ritual and it would be foolish for anyone to approach it carelessly and recklessly. When you are given the opportunity to meet your partner’s parents, it signifies that your relationship is at a place of stability that you can genuinely be proud of. It means that you’re both ready to take things to the next level. And as exciting and as joyful as the thought of getting serious may be, you still have to remember that you can’t be taking it lightly. It’s downright intimidating when you have to meet your partner’s parents for the first time. You can’t let the moment overwhelm you, but you can’t risk coming off as cocky and overconfident either. You want to be your real and genuine self, but you also want to make sure that the first impression that you make is a good one.
Don’t worry so much that you feel very anxious and nervous about having to meet your partner’s parents for the very first time. A lot of people have been in your shoes before, and there’s no denying that they felt the same way. It’s a nerve-wracking experience because there is just so much that’s on the line. You definitely want to leave a good impression on them, but you also don’t want to have to force yourself to be a person you’re uncomfortable with being. You don’t want to come off as someone who is fake, plastic, and inauthentic. You just want to be your regular old self and you hope that that would be enough to win their hearts over to your favor.
According to a leading expert in the field of long-term relationships, the timing of this particular milestone in a relationship is never really definitive. For some couples, they wouldn’t really be comfortable with parental introductions until they really solidify the exclusivity and stability of their relationships. Other couples don’t really wait too long before they make the introductions, because they want this milestone to serve as some kind of test for the strength and compatibility of the relationship. Not to say that one approach is better than the other, it just goes to show that it’s a very significant event for all relationships, and there isn’t really a definitive set of rules for couples to follow regarding the matter.
Regardless of when you both choose to make the introductions, it’s important that the both of you approach it with a healthy mindset and philosophy. Firstly, yes, it’s important to always stay true to your authentic self. You don’t’ want to be misleading your partner’s parents by deliberately acting out of character. Most of the time, this plan backfires because it’s often plastered on a person’s face when they start to take it.
So if you’re feeling nervous about being who you are, don’t fret. You don’t have to be nervous once you will be exposed to some tricks of the trade. Make sure to read this article in its entirety and follow the tips that are going to be listed on here. These tips come straight from the mind of prominent relationship experts and you should take them to heart.
1. Time the initial meeting to your advantage.
Remember that you want your initial meeting to be the best one. You only have one shot at making a good first impression. So you have to manipulate the variables to your advantage to the absolute best of your abilities. If you find that you perform well in large group settings, perhaps you can time the first meeting around big holiday celebrations or birthdays. Or if you perform better in an intimate setting, maybe settle for a casual coffee or dinner date.
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2. Don’t get too heavy or deep with your conversations.
Always try to keep things on the surface. There are plenty of opportunities for you to get deep and heavy as your relationship progresses. But for the first few meetings, you can just keep things casual and fun.
3. Be as inquisitive as you can be.
Ask questions! But also know your limits. When you are inquisitive, it shows that you are genuinely interested in the dynamics of the family and that you’re heavily invested in getting to know your partner better.
4. JUST BE YOURSELF.
Stop being so fake. Older people tend to be really good at reading people. And they will most likely be able to tell when you’re just faking it. Be yourself and just hope that the best aspects of your relationship are going to shine through.
5. Keep the private parts of your relationship intimate.
Don’t be airing out the dirty laundry of your relationship to the family. Don’t fall into that trap. Be respectful of your partner and always be discreet about the intricacies of your relationship.
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