How to Impress Your In Laws

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Maybe your in laws are great (lucky!), or maybe you're a little scared of them. Either way, you're out to win them over. Whether you have met them before or are meeting them for the first time, impressing your in-laws can seem daunting. Your actions reflect the type of person you are, and they will also set the foundation of your relationship with them in the future. Above all, practice politeness, and go out of your way to show you are interested in and respect them.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Good First Impression

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  1. Like it or not, the way you look is a big part of a first impression. Choose clothes that flatter you without making you look overdressed. You don’t want to be slumming it in sweats when you meet your in laws. At the same time, you wouldn’t want to wear a cocktail dress or tuxedo when everyone else is in sundresses or polos! [1]
    • Make sure that your clothes are clean, presentable, and not too revealing or potentially offensive.
    • For casual or semi-casual occasions, you could try wearing a nice button-down shirt or polo with khakis, or a dress that makes you look great while still being comfy and not flashy. In cooler weather, a nice sweater can do the trick. Jeans can be ok, too, as long as they're clean and free of tears.
  2. If your in laws have invited you over, it’s often considered polite to bring food, a drink, or a small gift with you. Ask your partner what they think is appropriate, and give it to your in laws yourself when you arrive. [2]
    • Things like a bottle of chocolates, or some flowers can do wonders.
    • Make sure to ask your partner about their in laws’ expectations first. In some cultures, it’s considered offensive to bring something when invited over.
    • Ask your partner if their parents enjoy drinking alcohol before bringing wine or another alcoholic drink as a gift. If they don't drink or if they are opposed to drinking, alcohol will not make a good gift.
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  3. Work with your partner and do a little research. Find out what your in laws are interested in, and make sure to ask them about that. You can also ask them about their hobbies, home, or family history. Showing you care about them will go a long way! [3]
    • If you have any common interests, bring those up to form bonds: “Mr. Smith, Sam tells me you’re interested in scuba diving. Me too!”
    • Even little comments and questions like “Who’s in this photo?” will show your interest.
  4. Try giving comments like “You have a beautiful home!” or “I love that sweater--where did you get it?” Compliments like these are another way of showing your in laws that you’re interested in them, want to be on good terms with them, and are a nice person to be around. [4]
    • Even if their style is different from yours, find something you can compliment! Try an old standby, like "That's a really interesting wall hanging. Where did you find that?"
  5. If you’re at a big family gathering or some other group event, try to get a moment to chat alone with one or both of your in laws. This doesn’t have to be a big talk, just a chance to show you feel comfortable around them. Thank them for inviting you, and tell them you look forward to spending more time together. [5]
    • Try saying something like "I just wanted to say thanks for inviting me. I've had such a good time! Why don't we get together again next weekend? We could try that new Vietnamese restaurant."
    • You can also try some small talk , like complimenting their clothing, talking about the weather or sports, or asking about their plans for the weekend.
    • These little chats are a great way to bond!
  6. Your in laws will be paying attention to how you treat them, your partner, and really everyone else, so show respect and politeness! For instance, if you’re having dinner at a restaurant, now’s not the time to criticize the food, be rude to the server, etc. [6]
  7. If your in laws have invited you over or out to eat, actually trying the food will show you respect them and appreciate the invitation. Even if it’s something you don’t normally eat, try a little bit. If you don’t like it, just say thanks and that you’re full! [7]
    • If you have religious, health, ethical, or other serious reasons for not eating something, just politely let your in laws know.
    • Telling your in laws that the food was delicious will also make a good impression.
  8. Make sure to take a moment before you leave to tell them you had a great time. Say what a great time you had, and that you hope to see them again soon.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Building a Strong Relationship

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  1. In laws will always want to know that you are treating their son or daughter well. Be kind and loving to your partner, and show them you have a good relationship. [8]
    • Avoid fighting with, nagging, or putting down your partner when you’re around their in laws. If you have something you need to work out, save it for when you’re alone.
  2. Your in laws will want to be valued in your life. One way to show that they matter to you and your partner is to ask for their thoughts and advice. You can either give them a call to get their opinion or pull them aside for a one-on-one chat when you're all hanging out together as a family. [9]
    • You could try asking them for advice on big things, like “Will you come house hunting with us?”
    • Asking for advice on everyday things will impress them, too (i.e., “What do you think I should wear to the holiday party?” or “Do you know anything about oil changes?”).
  3. Go out of your way to keep your in laws in the loop. If you check in on them just to see how they’re doing, they will appreciate it, and you’ll score some major respect points. [10]
    • It's natural to connect with family around holidays and other events. Try calling or texting your in laws once in a while “just because.” They'll probably appreciate the gesture even more since it was unprompted.
    • Call your mother in law, for instance, and say something like "Hi, I just wanted to call and see how you're doing! It's been a hectic week for me, and I bet yours has been long, too."
  4. Bring one of your in laws’ favorite dishes when you come over, or make it when they come to your house. This can be considered very thoughtful. They will be impressed that you took the time to learn about what they like. Even if they say you didn’t make it perfectly right, the gesture will still be appreciated! [11]
    • If you aren't sure what they're favorites are, ask your partner.
    • Casually ask them in conversation what they enjoy eating. For example, ask them "What kind of food do you enjoy?" or "What's your favorite dessert?"
  5. Gift-giving times, like holidays and birthdays, can be great opportunities to show your in laws how much you care. Try to give them things you know they’ll love. They’ll be impressed with your thoughtfulness.
    • For instance, if you know that your mother in law collects things with farmyard motifs, giving her a set of hen and rooster salt and pepper shakers will probably mean more to her than a gift card.
  6. Some families like to take vacations with their in laws, and this can be a good bonding experience. But quality time doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Everyday things like going shopping with one of your in laws or inviting them over to watch the game are really meaningful. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I wear to my in-laws marriage function?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    First, find out what kind of an event it will be--formal, relaxed, outdoor, or indoor? Dress for the occasion. Also try to get some clues from others in the family: does your partner have a sibling you could ask? Remember it is their event, so try to dress according to their standards, even if it means you can't wear your favorite tight dress!
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.brides.com/story/meeting-future-in-laws-for-first-time
      2. ↑ http://www.brides.com/story/meeting-future-in-laws-for-first-time
      3. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/402406/impressing-future-in-laws
      4. ↑ http://www.brides.com/story/meeting-future-in-laws-for-first-time
      5. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/402406/impressing-future-in-laws
      6. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/402406/impressing-future-in-laws
      7. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/402406/impressing-future-in-laws
      8. ↑ http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/402406/impressing-future-in-laws
      9. ↑ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/love-sex/10-superb-ways-to-impress-your-mum-in-law/articleshow/8046085.cms
      1. ↑ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/love-sex/10-superb-ways-to-impress-your-mum-in-law/articleshow/8046085.cms
      2. ↑ https://www.chowhound.com/pictures/dishes-that-will-impress-your-in-laws
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teen-doctor/201705/10-ways-have-easier-relationship-your-in-laws

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Winning over your in-laws can be intimidating, but by presenting yourself well and making an effort to show that you care, you'll stand a better chance! Dress well by choosing clothes that are clean, presentable, and not too revealing or potentially offensive. Find out what your in-laws are interested in and ask them about their hobbies, home, or family history to show them that you care about them. Always respect your partner so their parents know that you are kind and loving to them and you have a good relationship. If you’re visiting them, bring one of their favorite dishes or make it for them if they come to your house. You could ask them casually what they enjoy eating, and then show them that you care by making it later for them. For tips about how to bring a small gift to your in-laws if you’re going to their house, read on!

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