The Latest Catch
  • Advice
  • Couple Goals
  • Research
  • Video
  • Dating Site
JOIN POF TODAY
551K
44K
0
816
15K
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Coming Soon
The Latest Catch
Join Plenty of Fish Today
The Latest Catch
  • Advice
  • Couple Goals
  • Research
  • Video
  • Dating Site
551K
44K
0
816
15K
  • Advice
  • Dating

Meeting The Family Virtually This Holiday? 8 Ways To Make A Great First Impression

  • December 17, 2020
  • 4 minute read
  • Kristina Marshall
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

You found your special someone during quarantine or perhaps you’ve been together for quite some time and you’re ready to meet each other’s families. You may not be able to meet your significant other’s family in-person this holiday season, but you can certainly hop on a group video chat!

If you feel nervous, that’s completely normal! Of course you want to make a great first impression, and if you keep the following eight things in mind, you’re guaranteed success.

#1 – Get schooled

Your partner knows their family best, so before you hop on a video call, ask your partner to school you on a couple of things. Who will be on your call? What is their relation to your significant other? Do they share any interests or hobbies that could spark a good conversation? 

Knowing some of these things ahead of time is good, but don’t overwhelm your partner’s parents with your sleuthing skills. Let them tell you about themselves — it’s a great idea to have your partner chime in with funny childhood memories and let the conversation lead where it may.

#2 – Now is the time to swap out the sweats

Meeting your significant other’s family, even over video chat, is a big step in any relationship and you don’t need a tuxedo or spectacular outfit to make the perfect first impression. Dress how you feel most comfortable and like yourself but I encourage you to swap out the Covid19 sweatpants and into something more business casual.

You and your partner should also set your call up in a comfortable spot (comfy couch preferred!). Grab everything you’ll need, some water or tea, snacks, the dog, and enjoy quality time with your partner and their family in the comfort of your own home.

#3 – Stick to formalities

Sir…Ma’am? Meeting the family for the first time can be a confusing encounter. Unless your partner insists you address their family in a casual manner, it’s best to treat the first conversation with the respect it deserves. Use formal titles to address your partner’s parents. Wait for them to permit you to use their first names.

If your SO’s parents seem interested to talk about something — talk about it! Follow their cues to learn their interests and views and, most importantly, be interested in them. Meeting the family isn’t a job interview, but it is the start of a new relationship. Get off on the right foot by showing off your manners.

#4 – Be confident (easier said than done, you got this!)

Your significant other likes (or even loves) you so don’t be afraid to be yourself with their family. Speak your mind, be assertive but, do so from a place of respect. It is not the time to hash out political or spiritual views, and if things seem to head that way, it might be best to hold your tongue while also being true to yourself.

#5 – No need to panic

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If the conversation or even the entire meeting seems to head south, don’t panic. Remember why you’re meeting your SO’s parents in the first place — this is all for your partner. This meeting isn’t about you as much as it’s about paving the way for your relationship to grow. 

If you need to take a minute, you can easily walk away from this virtual meeting. Excuse yourself and grab some water, go to the bathroom, or just get some area away from the camera’s view. Nobody will blame you for stepping away and your partner may enjoy a bit of alone time with their family.

#7 – Everyone enjoys a love story

“How did you two meet?” Keep this question in your pocket in case the conversation hits a stalemate. Even if the conversation never dulls, be sure to ask this at some point. This question is sure to spark some beautiful moments between your SO’s parents that now you’ll get to share and bond over.

#6 – Show some affection

Remember what this meeting is all about — your significant other. Focus on making a good impression by prioritizing your relationship and your partner’s feelings. Showing some affection like holding hands, putting your arms around each other, and giving out a peck on the cheek will show your SO’s parents that you care for each other (definitely run this by your partner first). By putting your affection on display, you’re showing that this isn’t a relationship you are unsure about and that it has a lot of promise for the future. You mean to be where you are and you’re serious about your partner. 

#8 – Avoid the 0% goodbye

We all have that one friend who’s phone is always on 1% battery life, now is not the time to be that person! If you’re meeting on a smart device, make sure your battery is fully charged beforehand. Keep your laptop plugged in or a phone charger handy in case you need it. You don’t want to be in the middle of a conversation and suddenly hit a black screen.


Cover Photo by Afif Kusuma on Unsplash

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Kristina Marshall

Kristina Marshall is a stay-at-home blogger. After having kids, she began sharing some of her tips and tricks with people around her community. Now she writes full articles on lifestyle, family, and marriage to help people all over the world.

Previous Article
  • Advice
  • Dating

Creative Ways to Celebrate the Holidays This Year

  • December 15, 2020
  • Kate Maclean
View Post
Next Article
  • Dating
  • POF Success
  • Videos

A Family Affair: How Ashley & Jared’s Sister Found Love on Plenty of Fish (Watch Now!)

  • December 21, 2020
  • Carly Johannson
View Post

Subscribe

Tips to Your Inbox!

You May Also Like
two girls helping another girlfriend get ready for a date
View Post
  • Dating

Why Your Friends Are Your Best Dating Sidekicks

  • May 12, 2022
  • Megan Clark
Woman tossing out the trash walking across grass
View Post
  • Advice
  • Dating

Declutter Your Dating Life: What to Keep and What to Toss

  • April 24, 2022
  • Megan Clark
View Post
  • Dating
  • Live!

Save the Date for Your New Favorite Plenty of Fish Live! Show: Dating Unfiltered

  • April 10, 2022
  • Plenty of Fish Team
it's a smell match!
View Post
  • Dating
  • Research

Ever Wanted to Smell Your Date Before Meeting Up? Well, Now You Can

  • April 1, 2022
  • Carly Johannson
single parent with stroller on a date in the park
View Post
  • Advice
  • Dating
  • Research

Dating a Single Parent? Here’s How to Set Yourself Up For Success

  • March 21, 2022
  • Carly Johannson
two single women whispering advice to each other
View Post
  • Advice
  • Dating

Giving Advice to Your Single Crew: The How, Who, What, and When

  • March 17, 2022
  • Megan Clark
group of friends hanging out on their phones together
View Post
  • Advice
  • Dating

It’s Okay to Make Friends on Dating Apps. Here’s Why

  • March 3, 2022
  • Carly Johannson
two couples on a group date piggybacking
View Post
  • Advice
  • Dating

If You’re Not Going on Group Dates, It’s Time to Start

  • February 20, 2022
  • Megan Clark

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Plenty of Fish Live: Take dating to the next level
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJDMrHJ0zBo
No one has their sh*t together – Plenty of Fish (POF)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7QLrgJx8Nc
Minimum Message Length | Plenty of Fish (POF)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPUytYfzGTE
JOIN POF TODAY
551K
44K
0
816
15K

Subscribe

Get Tips to Your Inbox

Privacy PolicyTerms of UseCookie Policy

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

✗

Header

pre

post

No Thanks