Embracing Both Families

With the holidays in full swing, this is a time to gather around those you love most. For a lot of people in relationships, this is a time where you might be meeting and introducing your signifanct other to the family. This is a big step in every relationship and can make or break a couple.

Family affairs are always hit our miss. (Photo: huffingtonpost.com)

If you love your family’s significant other you are very lucky. Being accepted into another family is such a warm feeling. It makes you feel loved.

But what happens when you don’t mesh well with the other family. Maybe they are the polar opposite of your family. Maybe they have different rules and family values you don’t exactly agree with. Whatever the case may be, not liking your signifanct other’s family can cause tension during the holiday season.

These are a few ways to win over your in-laws to ease the awkwardness, even if they aren’t your cup of tea:

Be kind

If you have nothing nice to say, just say nothing at all. You can carry yourself as a nice loving person without going above and beyond. Just remember your manners and smile when all else fails. You aren’t trying to win anyone over, just trying to show your significant other you can play nice.

Sometimes you need to fake it till your make it. (Photo: YouTube.com)

Gift giving

Everyone loves presents. If you are not the biggest fan of your in-laws, bring a small gift so they can focus on that instead of asking you a million questions about your life that you don’t want to answer. This can be anything from a house gift to homemade goods. Either present will be a subject of conversation you can control and gear in the direction you desire.

Be open

Maybe you don’t like your in-laws, but if you are serious about the person you are dating, they are practically your family too. Try to be open-minded and focus less on your differences and more on what you have in common. Remember you are not there for them, you are there for food and your signifncat other.

The holiday season has officially began with Thanksgiving. Try to lighten up and focus on the positive things. If all else fails, just fake it til you make it. Your significant other will be happy you are at least trying. And that is what counts!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!