| The first time you meet your significant other's | | | | other? Will you need to volunteer to help out in |
| family can be awkward and intimidating for both | | | | meal preparation or clean-up, or will that offend |
| sides, but if handled with common sense, it does | | | | the hostess? |
| not have to be painful. A little planning in advance | | | | - Treat this as a job interview. Be on your best |
| can be very rewarding. | | | | behavior, use good manners and be very |
| - Do your homework. Ask your significant other | | | | respectful of all people in the group. But, at the |
| what to expect. Ask him/her to describe who will | | | | same time, don't forget to be yourself. Don't |
| be there and to describe some of each person's | | | | pretend to be somebody that you are not. |
| personality and characteristics. Ask what topics of | | | | - Avoid family disputes. If there are any |
| conversation are safe and which ones are taboo | | | | arguments or disagreements while you are in |
| in the group you are about to meet. You don't | | | | attendance, try to stay out of the dispute. Be |
| want to stir up any controversy on your first | | | | diplomatic, if you are asked for your opinion, and |
| meeting. | | | | tell them that you would rather not get involved. |
| - Ask what is expected of you. Are you going to | | | | Even though you are under some pressure and |
| be expected to mingle with all the relatives for | | | | scrutiny, try to have a good time and enjoy |
| the entire visit, or are you going to be able to slip | | | | meeting the family of your significant other. It |
| off for some personal time with your significant | | | | doesn't have to be painful. |