When a man is married, a woman is married, this is a phrase that is often read in the mouth of the old people. The woman is more worried about how the other side will view you when she meets the other parent, and the following “8 reminders to meet the elders” is worth reading for young men and women.
1. Dress appropriately.
First impressions may not be a one-hit wonder, but they do create memories that last a long time. When meeting each other’s parents, dress should not be too sexy or fancy like when both parties are dating, it is best to choose relatively formal attire. Of course, don’t dress too modestly. A shirt with jeans that’s simple and chic is a good choice.
2. Bring a gift.
It’s best not to meet the other parent empty-handed for the first time. The right gift is actually a way to show respect to the other parent. You can choose a gift with your friend that your parents will use or need. Don’t choose a gift that is too expensive or too nice. It is important to keep the gift simple and practical to avoid a sense of “bribery”.
3. Be prepared.
The purpose of the first visit to the other parent is to solicit goodwill from the elderly. Take the attitude of a job interview and do your “homework”. If possible, find out as much information as possible about the other parent, learn about the other person’s “family culture” and ask the person what his or her parents like or dislike. This preparation will help you communicate more smoothly with the other parent.
4. Listen well.
After exchanging pleasantries, listen to the other parent’s arrangement and hear them speak first. Avoid being “overly enthusiastic” or “too formal”. After that, tell your parents about yourself. It’s a good idea to “rehearse” how to talk to the other person’s elders with your guy/girlfriend beforehand.
5. Don’t count the person you’re talking to.
When meeting with the other person’s elders, your male (female) friend is most likely to be the main topic of conversation. But don’t dig deep into some of your date’s intimate stories in front of the other person’s parents. The other parent expects moderation in the conversation about his child, and this is a sign of respect for your guy (or gal) friend.
6. Don’t be a “know-it-all.
You may know everything about your boyfriend’s preferences for clothing colors and food tastes, and that’s fine, but it’s not fine to talk about it endlessly in front of the other parent. Know that they know their children far better than you do. Every family has a strong sense of self-preservation, and if you do love each other deeply, they will feel as if they have spent years with you.
7. Avoid intimate gestures.
Sitting with your man (friend), you should avoid holding hands, and even more so, you should avoid hugging and other intimate acts. The other parent certainly knows that you are in love, but in front of the elders, it is important to keep it classy and appropriate and not to “show off” your affection.
8. Don’t care too much about ex-boyfriend talk.
Sometimes during the conversation, you may mention your partner’s ex-male (female) friend, don’t care too much about it, it’s in his or her past after all. You can laugh it off and simply change the subject. Your partner and his or her parents will like you better for your generosity.