Meeting your significant other’s parents around the holidays can be a bit nerve-wracking
and stressful, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Here’s a short list to make
things less stressful and to make a good first impression.
- Breathe.
Being super stressed about meeting the parents is normal, but parent’s (usually) aren’t as
scary as you think. Just take a deep breath and know that whatever happens, you and your
significant other are happy and that’s all that matters! - Be polite.
It goes without saying to be extremely polite and to use manners when talking and
hanging around the parents. - Dress somewhat nicely.
If it’s a holiday dinner party with the family, dress nice but also for the weather and not
too overdressed or underdressed. If it’s a ‘business casual’ or ‘sunday best’ you can
always ask your partner what vibe for the ‘meeting’ is going for. - Be present.
Parents naturally hate phones, that’s just how they are but even if it’s boring, stay present
because being on your phone a lot may give the parents the idea that you truly don’t care,
or even suggest that you’re disrespectful. Also, don’t be making out and being all over
your partner in front of their parents, that can be extremely awkward especially at a
family party or dinner. - Laugh along – Keep things light.
Dad jokes can sometimes be corny, but laugh along and keep things light for the first
meeting and if you hear any hot family gossip, don’t weigh in, but maybe be invested
from afar. - Offer to help.
If at a holiday dinner, offer to bring a dish (even if it’s store bought), or to help out with
cleaning up after dinner, the parent’s will love it and it shows that you care and are
willing to help out. - Be yourself.
Don’t let the parents adore someone who isn’t really you! Just be yourself and everything
should fall into place. You don’t need to be a perfect person to wow the parents. - When in doubt, ask your partner for do’s and don’ts with their family.
This is especially important with members of the LGBT+ community. Maybe only be a
“friend” at dinner until your partner is ready to come out to parents. Perhaps, use different
pronouns for your partner until they’re ready to come out to their parents. Also, if any
parents have any particular rules, like sleeping situations, or no cursing, etc. you can
discuss that with your partner so that the interaction goes as well as it can! - Be honest, but don’t share too much.
Parents don’t need to know the details of your intimate life with their child. But along the
lines of being yourself, just be honest! If you don’t have a job or a future plan, you can
share that! Make them love the real you! - Remember that they’re probably nervous too.
They’re human, so obviously, they’re just as excited and nervous to meet you! So go into
it with grace and understanding.
Overall, no matter what happens, you’re happy with your partner and that’s what matters.
Usually, parents feel that if you make their child happy, that’s all that matters to them too.
Even if you feel like you didn’t make the best impression, the parents can and may always
warm up to you as time goes on. Have a happy and safe holiday, Huskies!