RELATIONSHIP

How to Behave When You Visit your in-laws for the First Time to impress Them

The joy of everyone in a relationship is to get married to their boyfriend or girlfriend someday, but before that happens, they would have to introduce you to their parents and family first, and if you get accepted, that’s a big win for both of you.

However, first impressions are very important, and in this article, we will explore how to behave and things you should do when you visit your in-laws for the first time.

1. DRESSING.

People used to say how you dress is the way you will be addressed, and this law applies to when you visit your partner’s in-law for the first time. Make sure you dress well and smell good. Your appearance will make a good impression on your in-laws.

Make sure you ask your partner about the type of dressing that their parents love so you can dress exactly that way. For example, if your boyfriend’s family is religious, make sure you cover your hair and wear clothes that cover your body.

I’m not saying you should pretend to be what you are not; remember, this is the family where you are getting married. By the way, you can dress however you like after that visit, but the first impression is important to being accepted. So the first thing to take note of when you visit your in-laws for the first time is “your dressing” so make sure your appearance is appealing.

2. LEAVE EARLY.

If you are visiting your in-laws for the first time, try to leave early and don’t sleep over. Let them know you have a standard. If the journey is far enough that you can’t return that same day, it will be better for you to sleep in a hotel than sleep over with them. This is important, especially for men who are going to visit their in-laws for the first time.

Don’t wait for them to start asking you, “Are you sleeping over?” before you take your leave, so get there on time and leave on time.

3. ACCEPT WHATEVER THEY OFFER YOU WITH LOVE.

Remember, you are going to another family whose culture and tradition are entirely different from yours, so your in-laws will make foods and drinks for you, and whatever food they make for you, try to accept it with love and show gratitude, even if you are allergic to it. You can just take a sip of that food to certify that you appreciate what they offer. Never reject what they offer you for the first time.

4. GREET EVERYONE.

When you visit your in-laws for the first time, you must set aside your pride and qualifications and greet everyone, even the kids there. In Africa and Nigeria specifically, they love greetings. So learn the culture of how they greet at your in-laws home and greet everyone when you get there.

If a handshake is how they greet people over there, then shake everyone you see. If kneeling down is how they greet, you should go on your knees to greet everyone. This will give a nice impression of you to your in-laws, and they will see you as someone who respects and values their culture and tradition, and they will welcome you with cold arms.

5. EAT MODERATELY.

I know you may be a foodie and you like to eat lots of food, but before you visit your in-laws, make sure you have eaten before you get there, and when you arrive at their place, eat moderately. For instance, if you are the type that eats chicken with all the bones, this time you should apply table manners and eat moderately.

You should also inquire from your significant other about how they eat at home. If they’re the type of person who uses cutlery, you should practice how to use cutlery before you visit them to save yourself from any embarrassment.

6. BRING THEM A SMALL GIFT.

When you are meeting your in-laws for the first time, bring a small gift with you. It could be for the mother-in-law, father-in-law, or your partner’s younger brother and sisters. A token of cash could also go a long way toward impressing them.

7. COMPLIMENT THEM.

Try giving them comments like “You have a beautiful home” or “I like your hairstyles.” These are ways to show your in-laws that you have an interest in them and not just their partner alone. Even if their lifestyle is different from yours, find something you can compliment about them.

8. BE POLITE.

Remember, your in-laws will pay attention to the way you treat them, so be polite to everyone and your partner in public. Show respect to everyone and don’t try to be rude, even if a provocative situation comes up. Avoid answering calls or replying to text messages when you are with them; at least keep your phone in your bag and away from the dining room or when having a conversation with them.

9. LET THEM KNOW IT WAS NICE TO MEET THEM.

Before you wave your goodbyes, let them know you had a great time and thank them for their hospitality, saying that you hope to see them again.

10. LET THEM KNOW YOU LOVE THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER.

This is what they also love to hear: Your significant other is the love of your life whom you want to spend the rest of your life with, so don’t wait till they ask if you love their son/daughter before you tell them how much you love him or her. Tell them you appreciate how they raised a wonderful and amazing man or woman as your partner. Your fiance will feel good to hear you say this in front of their parents.

11. ENGAGE THEM ONE-ON-ONE.

If you are at their home after a meal, offering to clean the dishes is a great way to make a nice impression. During your stay, try to have some nice conversation between you and your in-laws to keep the visit lively. You may also offer assistance to your in-laws to create familiarity.

In nutshell, when you visit your in-laws for the first time, try to be yourself, be polite, bring along a small gift, make your appearance suitable, and leave early. Applying these tips in this article will impress your in-laws, and they will gladly accept you into their family.