Meeting your in-laws for the first time?

FEBRUARY 3, 2013 BY AGENCY REPORTER LEAVE A COMMENT

Meeting your in-laws for the first time

Most people cringe at the thought of meeting the family of their partner. These tips can make it eaiser:

 Use make-up in moderation

 If you are a woman, go easy on the make-up. Too much make-up can often give the impression that you are false. Go for the ‘every day, girl next door’ look.

 Dress appropriately

The first thing your future in-laws will see is how you are dressed, so dress well. This does not mean that you must wear your pinstripe suit. Unless you are meeting in a very formal setting, a smart casual outfit will do. For the women, this is not the time or setting to flaunt your legs or anything else you might like to flaunt.

 Do not drink too much alcohol

According to www.wikihow.com, it is better to refrain from it altogether. If it is forced upon you, sip your drink slowly to deter a future top-up.

 Do not be overly possessive with your partner around your in-laws

 Hanging off them or kissing is annoying. It also makes the  statement. -he’s mine now.

 Pay compliments

Compliment the house, apartment or whatever it is, they live in. If the paint is peeling, the curtains are falling down, rats climbing out of bins, feign ignorance. This is a brief visit and you have to see it through for the one you love. This is not just about you.

 Don’t act offended

 If you are insulted, put down, mocked or otherwise, smile and bite your tongue. Unless you can come back with a comment that is both witty and includes a hidden innuendo, then you are wasting your time being miffed. It will lead to an argument.

 Flatter your partner

  Without going over the top, say nice things about your partner. Let your in-laws know that you love their son or daughter by telling a positive story. It should focus on a good attribute about your partner and how it affects you or others.

 Keep your first meeting short and sweet

 For most people, meeting anyone for the first time is uncomfortable. As a result, they usually are not themselves. Couple these feelings with the fear of offending someone who will be in your life over a long period, you are sure to compromise yourself. As a result, keep your first meeting brief.

 Address them appropriately

 Before you start calling your in-laws ‘Mummy’ or ‘Daddy’ get their permission. This also applies to any first names or nicknames.

 Be at your best behaviour

 Think of your first meeting as a job interview. Stay in the background and observe what happens and then offer to help out, (but be careful not to overdo it).

 Keep an open mind

 Do not have assumptions or pre-conceived notions about your in-laws, as these will affect the way you view them from the outset. Just as you would want them to know you better and not have assumptions about you, the same case applies with you. Be open to their traditions as well and be willing to adopt them. This will help them accept you even more easily. Once they see that you are open to their way of thinking, they will automatically warm up to you. However, do not lose your individuality.