Offer a helping hand
Offering to set or clear the table, put away washed dishes, or inquiring how you can lend a hand is a sure-fire way to show your thoughtful and gracious side. Your partner’s parents will be impressed by the gesture, and they’ll be please to know their son or daughter is dating someone so considerate.
Shift your perspective
Instead of being hyperfocused on how they might receive you, try to view the occasion as a way to learn more about your partner. After all, you are meeting the very people who taught your partner everything they know. Look at it as an opportunity to strengthen the bond you two already have.
Dress appropriately
The dress code for every family’s holiday dinner can vary. Some families opt for more casual attire or athleisure wear, while others may show up a bit more formal. To be safe, make sure you confirm which end of the spectrum your partner’s family falls to avoid showing up overdressed or, even worse, underdressed.
Just be yourself
At the end of the day, authenticity will always win. People can generally see through someone who is trying too hard to be liked. Your partner is with you because of your individuality, and they would want their parents to meet that person, too.
