How to Survive Meeting Your InLaws for the First Time

As if finding the one wasn’t hard enough, now you have to convince your future In laws that you’re the best candidate for the biggest job they’ve likely ever interviewed someone for: marrying their child. Of course, it can be equally nerve-wracking as it is exciting, but remember that your partner adores you and chose you for a reason, so his or her parents are more likely than not to follow suit! To help you navigate the new introduction, we asked top relationship experts how to score a rave review.

1. Feel confident about how you look: Remember, first impressions stick, so take the time to select an outfit that’s appropriate for the occasion. But don’t go overboard and wear something totally out of character that you feel uncomfortable in the entire day or evening. It is more important that you feel good about your appearance than anything else because if you feel good, you will also feel more confident and less nervous.
   
   Also don’t forget that they want to like you! Despite the exaggerated scenes in most Nigerian movies, In laws are actually rooting for you—they’re on your team! They want what’s best for their child, and if that means you, they want to love you,. They’ll be looking for reasons to think you’re the bee’s knees, so just show up and shine! In other words, be yourself and let your partner’s decision to be with you make them proud.

2. Come educated about the family: If you haven’t already, ask your partner questions about where his parents and family are from, what type of activities they enjoy, what topics of conversation they like to engage in, etc. This can also help forewarn you about certain hot topics you might want to steer clear of mentioning. For the first meeting, it’s a good idea to avoid conversation about politics, religion, or any other emotional topics,. You may be able to debate respectfully after you’ve established a relationship with your partner’s family, but for the first meeting, it’s best to leave those topics alone.

3. Center conversation around them: In addition to knowing their your In laws names, some background about where they’re from and what paths their lives have taken, feel free to inquire respectfully about their lives. Ask them how they met, about when your partner was born, or about their careers. People feel more comfortable when they can talk about something familiar, so give them a chance to relegate that story of your partner pooping in the lazy river at the water park at age three—they’ll love it!

4. Find a common ground. As topics arise in conversation, feel free to talk about yourself, as well. For example, if his mom says she loves Shina Peters, feel free to chime in and tell her about your own love of his kind of music. And if his father mentions he loves hand-made furniture, feel free to let him know your father shares a similar interest, and maybe even that he made some of the furniture in your home.

5. Avoid checking email or answering text messages. In our technologically saturated world, it’s hard to unplug, but if there’s one time you should stay tech-free and focused it’s when meeting your partner’s parents. You want them to think of you as someone who pays attention, is happy to be there, and has good social skills—someone whose parents raised you right,. Word to the wise: Keep your phone in your bag, or at least away from the dining room table, until the meal is through.

6. Bring a gift or a dish. This likely won’t be something you’ll have to do each and every time you see his Parents (though, bonus points if you do!), it’s a nice gesture when you’re meeting them for the first time. Bake or make something simple that shows off your culinary skills without stepping on your mother-inlaw’s toes—an appetizer or a dessert,. If you do decide to make something, do find out if anyone in his or her family has allergies to be on the safe side.

7. Let them know you love their son or daughter. While it might seem forward to gush to them about the love of your life right off the bat, most of the time, it’s what they’re hoping to hear. In-laws love to hear nice things about their own child. It makes them feel like they did a good job raising children—plus, it makes your fiancee feel good to hear you say that in front of his or her parents.

8. Look for an opportunity to engage them one on one. If you’re over their home for a meal, offering to clean up and help with the dishes is a great way to score some alone time your partner’s parents. This helps them get a better sense of you and you of them,. This will also demonstrate that you’re not shy and can hold your own without your beloved by your side. This would also make your inlaws happy to hand their daughter’s hand in marriage to you.