How to Make a Good Impression on The In-Laws?

Meeting the in-laws can be an exciting and nerve-racking event in the relationship between you and your new partner. The in-laws are likely to be important figures in your partner’s life and their opinion of you can affect how your partner feels about you. It is usually an important milestone and partly determines how the relationship develops. It is therefore important to make a good impression and to show them that you are a trustworthy and loving partner.

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12 tips for making a good impression on the in-laws

According to various studies, the first impression is the basis for how people will see you as a person in the future. The saying goes that you never get a second chance to make a first impression and that is no lie. If you are nervous at the thought of meeting the parents, here are some tips to help you make the best impression.

1. Prepare well in advance

If you have an important meeting planned, good preparation is half the battle. Just as you would look for information about the company beforehand when applying for a job, you can also do this for the interview with the in-laws. Think about what questions you can expect and how you are going to answer them.

If you can get this information, it is also helpful to know their name and what they do for a living. A simple Google search will usually get you a long way if you want to find out something about someone.

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2. Ask for the schedule

Meeting the parents is exciting. But it doesn’t have to be if you know in advance what’s going to happen. Ask your new love how they see the day or evening and what you’re going to do. It makes a big difference whether you’re going on a family weekend, visiting a birthday with more family or simply just going for a quick coffee. Do your best to avoid any form of stress: make sure you have an idea of ​​what to expect in advance.

3. Choose your clothes days in advance

Once you know what’s going to happen, you can start thinking about what to wear. You don’t want to find out on the day that you don’t have anything at home that’s appropriate for the situation. It’s important to dress respectably. It’s a plus that you choose clothes that suit you, but also highlight your best points. No matter how comfortable you feel in a hoodie and jeans, that’s probably not the best choice when you’re meeting your parents.

4. A positive attitude

Try to have a positive attitude and show that you are happy to meet the in-laws. This can help create a good atmosphere and put them at ease. If you are friendly and cheerful, the in-laws will probably have a good impression of you.

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5. Mind your manners

In order not to leave a bad impression on the parents, it is wise to take the age of the parents into account. For example, it is better to address the parents with ‘u’ until they indicate that you can use ‘je’. These are useful etiquette methods that prevent you from coming across as rude or impolite.

Also, remember to say “thank you” when you’re offered something. Small etiquette techniques can make a big difference in how someone perceives you. It might even be a good idea to bring a small gift—a bottle of wine or a bunch of flowers for mom. Whatever you do, make sure you’re not constantly checking your phone, swearing, or doing anything else rude.

6. Offer your help

You make a good impression on your potential parents-in-law by frequently offering your help in situations where it is possible. Do the dishes need to be done? Offer to clear the table or do it on your own initiative. You will notice that they often say that it is not necessary, but by offering it you show that you are helpful. This is a quality that parents like to see in their son or daughter’s partner.

7. Show your smile

Bring a smile, a good mood and you are already a long way. A smile is essential for leaving a good first impression. When you smile, everyone is inclined to smile back, which releases positive energy in the interaction. It sometimes works like a mirror. Even if you are shy and dare not say much, smiling can help to leave a solid impression.

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8. Share common interests

Try to find common interests, such as hobbies, sports, or music. This can help you bond and start a conversation. If you can make the in-laws laugh naturally or enjoy something you do together, they will likely have a positive impression of you.

9. Keep it light

The first meeting with the parents is not a time to discuss heavy topics. Give general answers to questions that are asked. Politics, immigration and religion are some examples of topics that are better avoided. Give your honest opinion, but keep it superficial.

You don’t have to expose yourself completely and you don’t want the meeting to turn into a heated debate about the increasing number of refugees in the Netherlands. Keep it light and avoid making it difficult for yourself.

10. Show interest

One way to get the conversation going with the parents is to show interest . Ask questions about the home, what kind of work they do, or about the parents themselves. The parents often have a wealth of experience that they are happy to share with you if you show interest. What parent wouldn’t enjoy telling an anecdote about something they’ve experienced? By showing that you care, you open the door for them to talk about it.

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11. Keep agreements

Show that you are reliable and responsible by being on time, keeping your promises, and doing your best to make a good impression. This can help reassure the in-laws and convince them that you can make their son or daughter happy.

12. Be yourself

As cliché as it is, you will achieve the most if you are just yourself. Maybe not the version of yourself who lies on the couch with a bag of chips, but the enthusiastic version of yourself who comes on the scene fresh and sharp. By showing that you are a full-fledged partner , you show that the parents have nothing to worry about.

Be yourself and show who you really are. This can help to form a real connection and show that you have a genuine interest in the in-laws. Don’t try to be someone else to make a good impression, because this won’t work in the long run.

Ultimately, the in-laws want to know that you are not a serial killer, someone who is going to treat their child badly. They want someone who can support their child, both financially and mentally. Remember, you were asked to meet the parents for a reason. So show them that you have what it takes to be the perfect in-law.

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