Meeting your future in-laws can be a stressful experience especially when you’ve never met them before, and have to announce your engagement to them! Will you ever be good enough for their little prince or princess?
Here are some handy tips to help you breeze through that awkward first meeting and make sure you don’t begin that all-important relationship on the wrong foot, like Margaret (Sandra Bullock) and Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) in the upcoming comedy, The Proposal.
DO dress appropriately. If, like Margaret, your future in-laws live in a log cabin in Alaska, don’t turn up in a suit and high heels. They will see you as an outsider and try to oust you immediately!
DON’T have too much to drink. You might be nervous, but keep an eye on how quickly those beers or glasses of wine are going down. Slurring/passing out/dribbling is not acceptable behaviour, and remember that first impressions last.
DO make sure you’ve done your groundwork. What are their likes and pet peeves? For example if your intended’s parents are coming over for a meal, make sure you know if they have any allergies before making your signature dish of shellfish stew followed by pecan nut pie. Unless you’re happy for the evening to end in an ambulance being called!
DON’T make negative comments about, or argue with, your partner in front of his/her parents. Make sure you present a united front and defend each other. For example, if your 90-year old grandmother comments on your fiancée’s flat chest, help smooth things over so her feelings aren’t hurt!
DON’T make reference to sleeping with your future father-in-law’s daughter. She is still, and always will be, his little girl!
DO be careful with their beloved possessions, including pets. If they ask you to make sure the dog doesn’t go outside, it would be wise to comply.
DON’T assume you’ll sleep in the same bedroom as some parents may not feel comfortable with your ‘modern ways’. However if you do sleep in the same room, make sure one of you doesn’t sleep on the floor and get caught in the morning...it will make your relationship look like a sham!
DO compliment your future in-laws’ home/garden and pay special attention to items they mention to you which will be of particular pride to them. Do not, under any circumstance, point and laugh when your future in-laws show you the results of the pottery classes they have been taking.
So now you’ve brushed up on your etiquette for meeting the in-laws, best of luck! And if you need further examples of how to win over the parents.
The Proposal is released 22nd July
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