This probably wasn’t part of the dream wedding plans you had since you were a kid.
It’s a big deal to meet your partner’s family and understandable to be a little nervous.
That just means you better be prepared.
Do your research
confirm you know a bit about the parents before you ever meet them.
And bya bit,I meana lot.
Learn about their interests, especiallythings they lovethat your partner isn’t really into.
Also, learn how to manage your stress.
This gives you a break from your anxious thoughts and keeps you relaxed.
Get ready to talk
Your in-laws will probably have a lot of questions for you.
You’re going to be their new daughter, after all!
Sometimes, a barrage of questions can feel like an attack, and you’ll start getting defensive.
Ask them questions
Not all in-laws are alike.
Some have a never ending list of questions, while others can stare at you in stoney silence.
If they are the strong and silent types, ask them questions.
take a stab at show genuine interest in their lives and history as a family.
Ask them to share storiesof when your partner was little.
If that doesn’t work, or they run out of childhood tales, ask them for advice.
Giving advice makes people feel intelligent, wise, and wanted.
You’re showing that their opinion matters to you, which would make anyone feel good!
You have to go into the meeting as a blank slate and let the parents make their own impression.
Also, remember that the parents are nervous, too.
Or perhaps his last girlfriend was a disaster and they’re on guard.
Go into this as a partner
You’re not going into this in-law meeting alone.
You have a partner!
ensure you communicate with him that you are nervous and might need a little help along the way.
He’ll be able to start conversations with his parents more easily and help relax you into the situation.
Mostly, he can help communicate that you are a wonderful, lovable person.
Whether you expect it to be great or terrible, your preconceived notions make the whole affair more difficult.
Dr. Hauke asked, “Are you telling yourself that the situation will be negative or positive?
Are you presuming that you know the future and can read someone’s mind?
If so, try asking yourself, are my thoughts about this situation realistic or helpful?
If they’re not, it’s time to re-evaluate and change your thinking!”
It’s important to remember, they don’t have to love you.
Honestly, they don’t even have to like you.
All that matters is that your future husband loves and supports you no matter what his family thinks.
Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to get the thumbs up from your in-laws."
You don’t need to change anything about yourself so you can impress this future side of the family.
