One of the reasons introducing your partner to your parents can be scary is because first impressions (according to studies) are lasting impressions. How your partner looks, does or says can create negative or positive impressions in one’s family’s mind for years.
Other factors can weigh on the mind, such as how nervous your partner is or how positively your parents view your relationship. But never fear, because it doesn’t have to be awful. Read on for some tips to make the whole thing as smooth as possible.
- Consider what this introduction means to you.
If you feel like you’ve been with your partner for several months or years, it’s important to think back on the time you spent together and the relationship you two built. Your parents want to know why you’re so serious about this person and why you think they’re a good fit for you before they’re ready to find out that information for themselves.
- Make sure the timing is correct
Once you are convinced that this is the right person to bring home to visit your family, then you will want to choose the time carefully. You don’t want to stumble upon their doorstep when you know they’re dealing with a stressful situation like a death in the family. Of course, if you know that a certain unfortunate situation will take months to resolve itself, you don’t have to wait all that time to make the introduction but, in that case, especially, the time will be nice to ask your parents. Right before you go ahead and decide that’s it.
Of course, you want your partner to wow your parents by being who he or she is.
Make sure he or she knows a little about your family background, for example, what religion you are and where your parents are from. It helps the flow of conversation and their behavior.
If the first meeting is at your parents’ house, encourage your partner to bring a gift. This will show your parents that your partner is well mannered and thoughtful. After the actual introduction, feel free to say actual words like “meet my mom and dad.” Not only will your parents appreciate it, but so will your partner.
If you’re at your parents’ house, find a place where the four of you can sit and talk. If this is your home, you may feel comfortable enough to make drinks or serve snacks while your parents get to know your partner. It takes the stress out of those initial first questions and answers.
