Meeting the Parents!

Hey there!

Although Max and I have been together for 4 years, I still hadn't met his biological father (that's a long story and we won't get into it). This week however I have come down to Sydney to finally meet him and Max's extended family. Since I have now met an 'in-law' family three times I thought I would give you a list of do's and don't's for a look back if you ever get nervous or anxious ever meeting a partners family. 

Do

• Be friendly, talk with and engage in conversations with the family. Even if you have never tried or don't know much about the topic, try and engage in all conversations. 
• Talk in sentences. This may sound stupid because everyone talks in sentences right? No. See I just did it. Sure sometimes you don't know what to say and you say 'yes' or 'no' to a question but don't answer all your question with one or two words. 
• Engage in activities. It might not be your scene but always try. (I may be a bit hypercritical here since I am typing this while a game of something I am not into is being played, but I will say I have tried a lot of other things). 
• Be confident with yourself. If you are nervous or anxious just remember that even though you may be meeting their family, your partner loves you and their family will love you if you be yourself. 

Don't

• Sit in silence the whole time. Yes you may not know what to say or know anything about the conversation that is happening, but if the family try and include you, include yourself, don't sit around and wait to be invited again
• Sulk about not having attention. It's easy to do and you may not even realize you are doing it but make sure you are not always pulling your partner away from their family just so you can have a conversation with them. 
• Follow them around. This sounds like a perfect idea (especially for someone who is shy) but you don't want to be remembered as the partner who followed their partner around the whole time. 

Meeting family can be daunting and scary but remember that your partner loves you and their family will love you too if you show them the real you. 

Hope this helps at least a little!