It would be unusual to proceed without a few uncomfortable social situations along the blissful way, since a wedding is a magical time that bonds families, reinforces friendships and marks a momentous rite of passage.Once you're engaged, you will be meeting the in-laws and introducing families, moving on to unite kin and your future family.Even though you're planning on being your perfect self during this encounter, having the right small talk can be the key to setting off a great first impression.
Step 1: Pick out your limits.
Identifying your limits will help you better engage with your in-laws.Think about what makes you feel uncomfortable and what types of situations stress you out.Do you get stressed when you are around people for a long time?Are you uncomfortable in large group settings?Do you like to avoid certain topics?To express your needs to your in-laws, make a list of your social limitations and boundaries.
Step 2: Clear boundaries can be set.
You can set boundaries if you know what your boundaries are.Reinforce your boundaries when you tell your in-laws about them.You could say, "I prefer to spend time in small groups."If your in-laws press you on your boundaries, you can say something like, "Remember when I mentioned that I don't like large groups?"When setting boundaries, be sure to set them together with your spouse.Setting boundaries in this way will help emphasize what your needs are, which is further enhanced when your spouse is helping to back up these requests.
Step 3: Be nice.
When interacting with your future in-laws, politeness is important.They can see what a nice person you are if you act nice around them.Your relationship with your in-laws could be off to a rocky start if you don't demonstrate proper manners from the beginning.If you learned anything from kindergarten, it's a good rule to share the floor, say "please" and be respectful.
Step 4: Give a compliment.
Compliments make people feel more comfortable and can be an excellent launching pad for conversation.Let your in-laws know that you appreciate them by showing your respect.Tell your mom how much you like her home and shoes.compliment her on the amazing child she raised, the person you can't wait to spend your life with.But be careful not to get too carried away.You don't want to look like you're trying to suck up to them.Take your in-law's strengths into account.Remember that no-one is perfect, even you, and it is always in your best interest not to focus on the negatives.Accept your in-laws for who they are and any differences that may exist.You should accept them into yours, because they have accepted you into their family.Do your best to find positive attributes.
Step 5: Don't let your cocktails get out of hand.
When meeting new people, drinking is a common bonding activity because it helps take the edge off of your nerves.It can have disastrous effects if you over do it.Don't let your drinking get out of hand when you meet your in-laws.If everyone is having a cocktail, slowly sip one and leave it at that.Bad behavior, inappropriate remarks, and embarrassing conduct can be caused by overconsumption of alcohol.Don't leave a bad impression, you want to be married forever.
Step 6: Ask questions
You can ask questions about your in-law's family history, traditions, or specific values.You'll gain some interesting insight into the person you're marrying and be able to incorporate your fiancé's family legacy at the wedding.How did your in-laws meet and where did they grow up?What was it like when you were a child?Say something like, "I'd really enjoy hearing about how the two of you met."You could ask, "What kinds of things did Julie enjoy doing as a child?"
Step 7: Stay away from controversial topics.
Don't talk about your spiritual beliefs in your first meeting with your new family.The conversation will keep the mood light if it avoids hot topics like religion and politics.Don't hide who you are, but reserve those more comprehensive conversation topics for a later time.If possible, don't talk about religious beliefs, political stances, or any other controversial topics.If you want to bring up a safe topic of conversation, say something like, "I really enjoyed this movie I saw last weekend."You could say something like, "We went camping at in the mountains last week, have you seen it yet?"Do you like camping nearby?
Step 8: Clear indications are given on possible conversation topics.
There are some interesting facts about your future family.Occupation, favorite hobbies, and general likes and dislikes are good places to start.If you can give your family some specific insights, they will be more aware of conversation clues.Talk about favorite sports teams or TV shows.There are no awkward moments if you introduce everyone as well.
Step 9: Take quality time with each other.
Building a lasting relationship is dependent on spending time with one another and engaging in a meaningful way.To create a positive relationship with your new in-laws, you should spend some quality time with them.If you want to go away for a weekend vacation with your in laws, invite them over for dinner.In situations where you can talk and get to know each other better, try any activities that force you together with your in-laws.You, your spouse, and in-laws will enjoy social and/or recreational activities.Partaking in an activity that one person does not like may lead to stress.If this is a new relationship, try to coordinate activities that will encourage you to get to know one another.
Step 10: Individual relationships can be cultivated.
It's important to establish your own relationship with your new in-laws.Don't rely on your partner's close proximity to be enough for you.Get to know your in-laws on a personal level.Give your father-in-law a drink or a game of golf.Take your mother-in-law out for coffee or help with some yard work.Do you want your in-laws to be addressed by you?Some may prefer to be called mom and dad, while others may be more formal.Everyone will feel more comfortable if they know what they prefer.Even if your in-laws prefer a more formal approach, this may change over time.
Step 11: Introduce your family to each other.
It's time for both families to get to know each other after you've met your in-laws.If you have to introduce your liberal, outspoken New York parents to your conservative, reserved Nebraska parents, so be it.Ensuring that the meeting is effortless means following all of the above rules, which continue to apply throughout your entire wedding process.Dinner at a casual restaurant or lunch at your place is a good setting for a meeting.It's important that the location is quiet so that everyone can converse easily.
Step 12: Common ground can be found.
Try to find things in common with your new in-laws, like favorite activities or travel destinations.Help your families discover the same things.It's your job to make sure that everyone is talking.Say something like: "Hey, Dad, Mr. Johnson just got back from a deep-sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico."
Step 13: Follow it up.
Attach a picture or two to the email you send after the initial meeting.You will open up new lines of communication by doing this, giving everyone a chance to say anything they want.The next meeting will go smoothly if this helps to keep the conversation flowing.You will feel more comfortable tying the knot if you tie up loose ends.You want your in-laws to be happy to see you again and that you join their family.