Meeting with your in-laws for the first time can get jittery because you don’t know what to expect. Several thoughts may flash through your mind like would you be liked or not? This is common when you and your partner are from different parts of the country. It is an opportunity to put your best foot forward. Consider these tips when meeting with your partner’s relatives for the first time:
1. Make the first one count
As the saying goes, first impressions are lasting impressions. Work with your partner to make the first meeting with your in-laws count. Be nice, real, and respectful.
2. No pretence
Be yourself. It would always show when you are paying lip service or doing things to win your in-laws’ favour. Remember to never start what you cannot finish.
3. Show interest
Be genuinely interested in your in-law’s culture and lifestyle. Their ethnic heritage is part of who they are. Know their language, traditional foods or cultural history so you can win their hearts dearly. It shows you are interested in them. People pay attention to who are interested in them.
4. Open up
Don’t keep things from your partner. If there are certain aspects of your culture that they need to know, let them know. You behave like the Romans when you are in Rome.
5. Stay strong
Be sensitive and guided. There may be a misunderstanding, do you best to make amends and get along with all your in-laws.