This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bryant chapter.
With the holiday season in full swing, many of us will experience an overwhelming amount of family gatherings and friend get-togethers. For those of us with a significant other, you may get the invite to tag along to another set of parties. If this is the first time you are being introduced to possible future in-laws, here are five ways make a great first impression!
- Ask for a run through of family members beforehand. A walk through of the different cousins, aunts, and uncles that you will be meeting is a good idea. Walking into a room full of people you’ve never met is scary enough, so knowing that a certain cousin is a freshman in college or which aunt likes to hug will help you seem calm and composed.
- Coordinate outfits. What better way to look cute and show you have fun in your relationship than matching ugly sweaters! A coordinated outfit, whether goofy or not, will be a good conversation starter to break the ice when first meeting everyone. It also shows that you took the time to plan before meeting them, which means you care about a first impression. Showing your significant other’s family that you’re laid back and can take a few light jokes will help you ease into the family vibe.
- Participate in the family traditions. Whether it’s a noisy Yankee swap, cookie decorating, or a special movie, make sure you don’t back away from the family traditions that are sure to occur. If you plan on sticking around for the long run, you will surely be expected to remember these traditions, so don’t wait on the sidelines this year!
- Bring gifts. They don’t have to be anything big, but a box of candies or a batch of cookies definitely wouldn’t hurt how your new family thinks of you! The holidays are all about the giving spirit, and showing that you thought ahead of time will definitely earn you Brownie points.
- Don’t stick to his/her side. While it may be easiest to sit quietly by their side and nod your head every now and then, don’t be afraid to start your own conversation with a member of the family. Don’t be surprised if you receive an overload of questions – they’re just as curious about you as you are about them! Be a good listener, and show your significant other that you are making an effort to get to know about the things that matter to them.