Hey, "Don't worry, they're going to love you!" Well, sort of. The surest way to charm the in-laws is to be yourself -- your best self! Remember, you're going for a job interview, and you want to secure the position of beloved daughter-in-law, not "what ever happened to that girl who drank too much Chardonnay and showed us her....?" You get the point.
With this in mind, here are eight sure-fire ways to enchant your in-laws from the get-go:
- Compliment your partner by telling an incredible story about his talents: his solution to the graphic design problem at work saved the company hundreds of dollars -- maybe billions of dollars! Just look at how well your in-laws raised their smart, frugal, disciplined son. Flattery gets you everywhere.
- Make your first meeting(s) brief. You're not as charming as Kelly Ripa, as hilarious as Ellen, or jovial as Al Roker -- and these people only grace our lives for a few hours each morning.
- Clarify the name game. If your in-law introduces herself as "Penny-pants," you are free to use the nickname. Otherwise, you can address her as Penelope like the rest of the world. Whatever your in-laws call themselves, you call 'em right back. You're like a parrot. A lovely, polite, savvy parrot.
- Hey Nitwit! Don't pretend to be an expert. If you know zilch about string theory and you're sharing a table with physicists, don't prattle on that the theory hasn't technically been proven (Einstein only alluded to it.) You're out of your element. And it's killing them.
- Channel Ms. Emily Post: Be on time. Bear a small, thoughtful gift. Write a thank-you note. Remember, now is not the time to argue the virtues of medical marijuana, answer your cell phone, or run your hand up your sweetie's pant leg.
- Don't criticize, over-clarify, or interrupt your significant other in front of his family. They know that he yammers ceaselessly about the misdiagnosis of his irritable bowel syndrome and how Battlestar Galactica is the best-underrated show on TV. But if you get on his case, they'll label you a nag and defend their son like so many slavering she-wolves who also love Battlestar Galactica.
- Don't take sides in family disputes. Embody Switzerland. To avoid having to weigh in on whether the South should have won the civil war, direct conversation toward a happier topic. Didn't your sweetie once sing in a boy's choir? Isn't that precious?
- Give a toy to their beloved family pet, even if "Morsels" bites and doesn't like "women who wear long skirts." This pet is above you in the family hierarchy. Swallow your Claritin, and accept that all conversations will be interrupted by "Oh my god! That's the cutest thing" and "Did you see that?" and "Sorry! Let me go get you some antibacterial ointment for that."
Breathe. Relax. And start asking your partner questions now about his family. This way, you'll be prepared with the perfect conversation starters ("You guys just bought a Yamaha motorbike, huh? Tell me about it!"); the mental list of pet peeves (his sister has no time for "cat people"); and the foreknowledge of any "idiosyncrasies" that might crop up (like when his mom opens the door wearing her Navajo headdress. Don't blink, you knew that was coming.) Be prepared.
Source.
Source.
Post a Comment