5 Steps To Introduce Your Significant Other To The Family These Holidays

Holidays bring families together – but this comes with its own set of challenges. Especially when you are introducing your significant other (S.O) to your loved ones for the first time.

Every family will respond to your partner differently. Some will go from low-key welcoming them, to outright grilling them on their intentions. Others may struggle to relate due to their physical appearance, gender, sexuality or class. But that doesn’t change the fact that meeting the family is an important milestone in your relationship, right? So how can you best approach introducing your significant other to the family this December?

The team at ForHers have provided us with five tips to introduce your significant other to the family this holiday season. Take a look, and then check out their infographic below. By preparing yourself with this information and some useful strategies, you can make it through family dinner and maybe even enjoy it.

ForHers 5 steps to introduce your significant other to your family these holidays

The holidays can bring you and your partner closer while meeting an important milestone of your relationship. So how can you make sure it goes smoothly?

1. Tell your parents about your partner

Have a quick meeting with them without your partner to go over your expectations. Then share your partner’s stories and dietary restrictions and hobbies

2. Set expectations for your partner

Tell your partner about good things about your parents’, and discuss your parents’ viewpoints and what topics to pay attention to

3. Help your partner be prepared

Let them know what your family’s dinner etiquette is like and prepare answers to some common questions your parents or family members may ask.

4. Prepare an exit strategy

Arrange a code word or signal with your S.O. beforehand that means, “I need to get out of here now.” Have another commitment in mind that you can use as an excuse for escaping, and even commit to visiting for a limited period of time to reduce the pressure.

5. Give it Time

All first, time family meetings with your S.O. can bring performance anxiety. But, don’t stress out, have patience and be open to understanding different viewpoints.