Meeting The Parents For The First Time? 10 Things You Need To Remember

This post is all about meeting the parents for the first time.

So you and your partner have decided it’s time for you to meet the parents!

This is a milestone moment in any relationship that is often met with both excitement and uncertainty.

Let’s be real, meeting your significant other’s parents…although a good next step can be a nerve-wracking event.

But no worries, we have you covered.

Here, we share the dos and don’ts of meeting the parents for the first time.

With these helpful tips, you’ll be going in to meet your partner’s parents in a prepared and relaxed manner.

Meeting The Parents For The First Time

#1 – BE A TEAM WITH YOUR PARTER

Before meeting the parents it is helpful to talk with your partner about what you both expect from the meeting.

Have your partner share some details about their family with you. Like how family gatherings typically go, the vibe, and the dos and don’ts of their family get-togethers.

This will help to settle your nerves and get you both on the same page. After all, you’re meeting the parents for the first time because this is the person you are currently sharing your life with.

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What To Say When Meeting The Parents For The First Time

#2 – AVOID CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS

Keep the conversation away from religion, politics, or any other subject that could lead to a controversial discussion. This is not a time to debate world views, keep your conversations fun and light-hearted.

#3 – DO NOT COMPLAIN OR CRITICIZE

Regardless of what may be going on at work, with your family, friends, etc that may be causing you some strife, do not complain or criticize.

This is the first time meeting the people who raised your partner, and you want to leave a good first impression. It is not a time to share the drama or problems of your life with them.

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Meeting The Parents For The First Time Conversation Topics

#4 – BE GENUINELY INTERESTED IN THEM

Ask your partner’s parents questions and discuss topics that will help you to get to know them better.

The topics and questions talked about will also allow them to get to know you.

Think of meeting the parents for the first time much like a first date. You want to get to know more about them and leave a good lasting first impression but avoid sharing your whole life story.

Good Conversation Topics:

• Where are you from?
• How did you and your spouse meet?
• What was your partner like as a kid?
• What do you do for work?
• Where did you go to school?
• Any family traditions?
• What are your hobbies or interests?
• Any family pets?

Stick with general conversation starters. You don’t want to fire these questions at them one after the other putting your partner’s parents on the spot.

Use these questions as a guide to good conversation topics. Have a couple ideas of questions that you can ask to show genuine interest in getting to know them better.

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Meeting The Parents For The First Time Outfit

#5 – DRESS APPROPRIATELY

It can be easy to get hung up on worrying about what to wear when meeting the parents for the first time. However, try to avoid falling into this trap!

Chances are you’re probably overthinking things. When deciding what to wear, the best thing you can do is dress accordingly for whatever event it is that you are attending.

Whether it’s a black tie event or dinner at your partner’s parent’s house, ensure that you are comfortable and that you are you!

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Meeting The Parents For The First Time Etiquette

#6 – BE POLITE

Manners are the name of the game. Ask your partner’s parents how they want you to refer to them. This will help you address them accordingly going forward.

Stay off your phone. Put your phone on silent before meeting the parents for the first time. Store it off the table whether in your pocket or handbag. Wherever you put it, do not place your phone on the table. You don’t want to accidentally mindlessly pick up your phone and start scrolling or have it go off during your first time meeting.

#7 – OFFER TO HELP

Sincerely ask how you can help out. If you are at your partner’s parent’s house offer to help with meal prep, setting the table, clearing or cleaning dishes, etc.

#8 – EXPECT TO LEARN SOMETHING

This initial meeting isn’t all about the parents getting to know you, it is also about you experiencing them. Use this as an opportunity to discover more about your special someone – where they are from and the people that helped make them who they are.

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#9 – BRING A GIFT

This gift doesn’t need to be anything fancy or overblown. Just bring something simple and thoughtful.

Flowers, a dessert, or something you baked, all are lovely gestures to consider. You can even ask your partner ahead of time to help come up with ideas of what their parents would enjoy.

#10 – RELAX AND BE YOU

Take a deep breath and try to enjoy your first interaction with the parents. This is an exciting step in any relationship! Once you have this first meeting out of the way it makes every meeting from here on out that much easier.

Be yourself, and remember you are meeting their parents for the first time because your significant other wants you in their life.

This post was all about meeting the parents for the first time.

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