It is that time of the year again when you bring your boyfriend or girlfriend home with you for the holidays. There are some things you can do with your own parents, but not with your spouses-- or maybe you are just that serious and can get away with it. Here is some advice and tips for you to get through the holidays with your boyfriend or girlfriend and their family.
1. Be polite. I know that sounds trivial and we all have good manners, but don't forget them when you are sitting at the table with your significant others family. Manners are important!
2. Try not to let your nervousness show. This may be hard to do, but have confidence in your significant other to come to your aid when you need it. Have faith that their family will like you and try not to overcompensate for the lack of talking. His or her family probably knows you're nervous-- let them relax you and try not to act dumb in the process.
3. If this is new to you both, make sure he or she understands the family dynamics and what they NEED to know will happen at the said holiday. Do not leave them in the dark if there is a ritual or a family tradition that they need to understand. If the family puts up a Christmas tree at Thanksgiving they need to know this so they aren't confused with what is going on.
4. Going along with number three, make sure your family knows about him or her and knows pertinent details that could be helpful to your family. Do not let your significant other on the hot seat for the holidays. All they want is to be comfortable and relaxed and not worrying about saying the wrong thing. Let them know who is all coming to the dinner and what they need to know about them. Give them a brief on your family members so they aren't left in the dark, especially the important details.
5. Try not to be too quiet. Interact with their family and try not to be a mute-- it does not look good on you. If the family has met them before and knows they are talkative, get comfortable around the rest of the family and then talk to his or her parents to let them know nothing has changed.
6. Do not make this the first meeting! That is way to much pressure for them, especially with the entire family. This could possible hurt the relationship if it is the very first meeting.
7. For those in a serious relationship, don't put too much pressure on the visit. If there is two dinners don't pressure each other to have to go to both.
Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the time with your significant other! I hope these tips help you on your adventure with your partner.
