Impress Your In Laws
Whether you have met them before or are meeting them for the first time, impressing your in-laws is something we all hope to achieve. Not only will your actions reflect the type of person you are but they will also set the foundation of your relationship with them in the future. You could be dealing with the type of people who consider themselves to be modern day royalty, or you could be dealing with the Fockers, either way, preparing yourself is a must.
Contents
Steps
- If you are a woman, go easy on the make-up. Too much make-up can often give the impression that you are false. Skip the eyeliner. Go for the 'every day, girl next door' look. This bodes well with suspecting mother in-laws. She knows her grandchildren will be naturally beautiful. This is all she cares about.
- If you are a man, go easy on the aftershave. Nobody wants to sit at the dinner table and taste JOOP as they chew. The same applies to women and perfume. Subtlety is key.
- Dress code should be dressy casual. For a man, jeans and a shirt. Wearing tracksuit bottoms with white socks pulled over the end of them and a pair of trainers will have your mother in-law hiding her best silver.
- For a woman, dress code should also be dressy casual. A nice pair of trousers and a blouse will suffice and if not, then a pretty dress that doesn't reveal too much. Don't wear heels that are too high. Go easy on the jewellery. You are not a Christmas tree.
- Speak politely. Remember your P's & Q's. Always say thanks. If your dinner is burnt, eat it or be in it. Nobody likes to be told their cooking sucks.
- Do not drink too much alcohol. I would actually advise to refrain from it altogether. If it is forced upon you, sip your drink slowly to deter a future top-up. The last thing you want is to get drunk and tell your respective parent in-laws how great your partner is in bed.
- Do not be overly possessive with your partner around your in-laws. Hanging off them, being touchy feely, kissing, is NOT cute. It's annoying. More annoying for people watching. It also makes a statement. It says 'he's mine now'. Mummy In-Law will not be a happy bunny. You are effectively stealing him. In reverse, the same applies to a woman with respect to her father.
- Do not try to sound like you are a hero, a genius, vain, cocky, spoilt or otherwise. Modesty is attractive. Nobody is perfect. And I mean nobody.
- Compliment the house, apartment, trailer, tent or whatever it is they live in. If the paint is peeling, the curtains are falling down, rats climbing out of bins, tough. This is a brief visit and you have to see it through for the one you love. This is not just about you.
- If you are insulted, put down, mocked or otherwise, smile and bite your tongue. Unless you can come back with a comment that is both witty and includes a hidden innuendo to insult them right back, then you are wasting your time getting miffed. It will lead to an argument.
- Without going over the top, say nice things about your partner. You want them to know that you love him/her but you don't want to sound obsessed. A light & breezy comment 'He's brilliant at soccer, I go to some of his games and he has talent' should be a guider. Not something like "OMG, your son is AMAZING!! He's the next Maradona!! I rub his feet after training even when he's wearing smelly socks just so he can play again tomorrow" - queue, shut the hell up.
- When leaving, thank your host for the beautiful evening you had and let them know you had a lovely time. Smile. Always smile.
Tips
- Respect them and convey how much you love and care their daughter.
Warnings
- If the respective in-laws do not like you, then so be it. Do not try harder to make them change their minds. Accept this and move on. If people can't accept YOU for who you are, they are not worth your time.
- Do not crib, moan, bitch or complain to your partner about their family. At the end of the day, he/she loves them, and you could really hurt their feelings. You can't change your family. Warts and all.
Related Articles
- Prepare for a Visit from Your Mother in Law
- Be Friendly to a Nasty Mother in Law
- Get Along with Your In Laws
- Make Your In Laws Like You
- Show Up a Sneaky Mother in Law
