First Time Meeting the Parents? Here’s What NOT to Do
He better come prepared to eat and be merry!
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Many moons ago I had the brilliant idea to bring my then-boyfriend to my tia’s house for a New Year's Eve party. It was his first time meeting my parents and, due to the holidays, my entire family. And it was a lot. He was grilled, fried, and filleted despite being pleasant, charming, and oh-so handsome. Mami in particular wasn't convinced he was “the one.”
To be fair, Johnny made some mistakes when meeting my parents for the first time. But who can blame him? This step in a relationship comes with a lot of pressure.
First Time Meeting the Parents? Here’s What NOT to Do
How can you ensure a smooth ride when introducing your significant other to your parents for the first time? First off, find the right time and place. (And not when your 6 uncles, 2 aunts, and a dozen first cousins are present.) Here are some more don’ts!
Don’t come empty-handed.
Your family will expect your man to bring a party gift. Just make sure he doesn’t go overboard, like bringing an entire pernil. A nice bottle of wine or your momma's favorite dessert will do just fine.
Don’t dress like a slob.
Make sure he looks his best! And that’s especially the case for BIPOC families. Latinos love to look their best. Donning raggedy sweats, ripped jeans, or a worn-out sweater is a serious faux pas. Take him to H&M and buy him some slacks STAT!
Don't forget that kiss on the cheek.
He better kiss your Latina momma hello when he walks in. A handshake just won’t do in a Latinx family! We are an affectionate bunch, especially when meeting someone new. Your family will be so excited to embrace and welcome your new beau that they might just knock him down as he walks through the door. If he acts unnerved or doesn't reciprocate their eagerness, he's in trouble.
Don’t get drunk.
Your boo is so nervous the first time meeting your parents that he’s taking back drinks like he’s at the bar with his boys. Remind him to pace himself to avoid Stumble Town! If he spends the entire night praising the Porcelain God, that's a major fail.
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Don’t talk politics.
Most old-school dads think they're political masterminds. They think they can run America better than anyone. That's why your significant other should keep his political views to himself. He might say something they deem offensive or derogatory.
Don’t say no to food.
Your bae better come hungry! There’s nothing more offensive to a mom, especially a Latina mom, than someone turning down the meal they prepared. Tell him to come ready to eat, even if he has to skip a meal to do so!
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Don’t be antisocial.
Your significant other needs to engage with your family, even if he has to pretend. For many Latinos that means being a positive, happy, and overall social person — even more so if he isn't Latino or doesn't speak Spanish. They need to believe that he wants to be a part of the family. If he's sitting in the corner, all serious-faced and melancholy, that's the failure of all failures.
Have other tips to add? A meet-the-parents story you want to share? Drop it in the comments below!
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