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Meet the Parents

When in a serious or steady relationship, one should always consider meeting your partner`s folks. Building relationships with their parents has many advantages. Parents can make or break you relationship. Parent`s support in your relationship can help encourage growth as well as help you gain a deeper understanding of your partner.While parent`s disapproval will cause potential conflicts and problems for your relationship. So start on the right foot by giving the right first impression.

All parents want to be a part of their children`s lives and they would appreciate some form of introduction to their ‘may-be future in-laws’.

You should take the initiative to plan out the meet-up, do not wait for your partner`s parents to nag for it! Make a good impression by dressing well for the event.  Do not over or under dress, wearing smart casual will be best.  Bring a small gift of wine or food along with you.Do not feel intimidated during the meet-up. Remember it is not an interview for your qualifications  but for the parents to get to know you better.

Not all parents will embrace you with open arms and welcome you to the family, some may be a tough nut to crack. They might hold prejudices or negative impressions at first, but they are just playing the protective parent. You can always warm up the relationship, firstly by not being fazed by this. Try bringing out your best traits, be it intelligence or humor, be friendly and positive although you may be feeling uncomfortable. Be genuinely interested in your partner`s family by finding out their hobbies and interest, which sibling is closer to which, what places they go to on family holidays etc. (Try asking questions like ‘how the parents first met each other’ and ‘how your partner was as a kid’. This might lighten the atmosphere and bring some laughs as parents enjoy reminiscing the past.) Just avoid talking endlessly about yourself.

From the conversations,you can pick up hints on what to bring for the next visit. Be it some food or delicacy the mother enjoys or a sport the father is into, you can buy such small gifts and surprises to remind them of your last visit. This shows that you remembered what they said and have been thinking about them. They will appreciate the thought as long as you are genuine, but remember do not over do the gifts or they`ll think you are trying to buy their favor.

It is important to be yourself when meeting the parents, but do not throw all your cards on the table on the first meeting by scaring the parents with your negative and inappropriate information. Let the first impression be simple and pleasant.

Ideas for the Holidays

Holidays may seem like the most lonely period of time for some. It can be hard to face the holidays alone. However, you don’t want to jump into a relationship just because of loneliness. Spend time with family, friends, or neighbors instead. Don`t mope around at home, spend time organizing your holiday plans ahead of time!

The holidays can open up opportunities for parties and socializing. Take this chance to send your crush a gift or invite him/her out for a meal or to a party. You and your single friends may want to volunteer at a charity center to do something meaningful for someone else during the holidays.

Remember to stay positive and proactive, and enjoy catching up with family and friends during the holidays!