Surefire Ways To Charm Your Significant Other's Parents
Congratulations, you figured out how to land a great relationship - now, what do you do when you meet the parents? Meeting the family is a huge step, and if the parents love you, it's a very big win. But how, exactly, do you get your significant other's parents to like you? Have no fear! These tips for meeting the parents should help you make a stellar first impression.Â
Impressing the folks may not be as hard as you think. It's a combination of remembering basic manners and acting like a well-adjusted adult - whether you feel like one or not. Steer clear of controversial topics, keep your phone away, remember your pleases and thank-yous, and stay engaged in conversations. While it's important not to overdo it - as people can usually sense dishonesty - playing up your natural charm is a surefire way to win over your boyfriend or girlfriend's parents.Â
Below are some tips for meeting your significant other's parents that will put you on the right track to being a veritable member of the family. Which tips do you find most helpful and effective? Vote up the best advice below.Â
Think back to all those formalities you learned back in kindergarten. Shake hands, follow house rules, and remember please, thank you, and excuse me. A little etiquette goes a long way.
Parents tend to be protective of their kids, so if you fumble the first impression, it may be hard to recover. When you first meet the folks, smile, make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and tell them it's nice to meet them.
Everyone loves talking about themselves, so ask your partner's parents about their tastes, jobs, lives, and more. A simple "What do you do for a living?" or "Where are you from?" can get the conversation flowing and show your partner's folks you want to get to know them.
Common ground will both endear you to your partner's parents and keep conversation flowing comfortably. What's something you all have in common? Do you have the same tastes in movies and television or a mutual enthusiasm for a particular hobby? Play that up!
Parents love to hear they're doing a good job. It can never hurt to, say, mention you can see where your partner gets their awesome sense of humor, great personality, or generosity. Bonus points if you can work in an anecdote about something sweet their child did for you.
Compliment the food, tell them they have a beautiful home, and thank them for their hospitality upon arrival and departure. You don't need to be fake, but flattery can go a long way if it's sincere.