8 x awkward moments when you meet your in-laws for the first time
As if getting into a relationship isn't exciting enough, after that uncertain period of dating, the next nerve-wracking moment arrives: meeting the in-laws. People always say that you don't have a relationship with your in-laws, but you certainly have to deal with them. That's why I'm quite happy that I've always been lucky with mine so far.
But why do those first meetings feel like some sort of audition? You feel like you need to be approved, even though your beloved has already approved you long ago. Often, in hindsight, it turns out to be not so bad, and you come to the conclusion that your in-laws are just people too. Still, that first introduction often comes with a fair amount of discomfort. The awkward questions and situations below will undoubtedly sound familiar to you.
1. ‘How did you two meet?’
After this question, your in-laws naturally expect a very romantic story. You would love to say that you met in the library or on the train, but often you really have to tell them that you met completely drunk in a club, or even worse: through social media. Well, it's hard to make that sound any better. I met my first boyfriend through Hyves, my second relationship started via Snapchat, and my current boyfriend slid into my DMs on Instagram. Well, good luck trying to package that nicely.
2. ‘Tell us something about yourself.’
You have, of course, prepared for this question down to the last detail, and yet it catches you off guard every time. The spotlight is on you, and this is the moment you need to sell yourself. With a bit of luck, it comes out smoothly in one go, but sometimes you're also desperately searching for words and suddenly have no idea what you're doing at this table. I find this question quite tricky anyway, because what do they really want to know? Usually, my first reaction is: ‘What would you like to know?’ A golden tip, by the way, as it gives you three extra seconds to think about your answer.
3. ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’
This question often follows after question number two. I find this to be a truly confronting issue, where you are immediately faced with the facts yourself, because what do you actually want in life? ‘I live day by day and take life as it comes,’ is the best answer in my opinion. And move on.
4. There's food on the table that you absolutely dislike
This has happened to me quite often, as I still eat like a twelve-year-old. Somehow, I always have boyfriends who emphasize this even more at the table. I hope they support me while I'm washing down my vegetables with water, but no, instead they only make it worse by saying: ‘Ella doesn't like this.’ My standard response is: ‘Oh no, I actually find this really tasty now.’
5. ‘What do you like about our son/daughter?’
My god, as if it couldn't get any more awkward. This is always a treat for your beloved, who waits for your answer with a big smile. Stammering, you have to explain how incredibly intelligent, handsome, sweet, and caring the child is that they brought into the world. You certainly wouldn't dare to say anything negative during the first meeting.
6. Not knowing something during a conversation
This might be the worst thing that can happen to you: you don't know something (that your in-laws apparently can't imagine). It could be anything: who a certain legend from history is, the capital of a country, or the name of a book. Due to all the nerves, you experience a total blackout and suddenly feel like you're in an episode of The Smartest Person. Often, you can lie awake for years over your own ‘stupidity.’ How could you not know that?
7. ‘What do your parents do?’
Then you've finally gotten through your own job interview, and suddenly this old-fashioned question is thrown at you. After selling yourself, you also have to praise your own parents to the skies.
8. You're clumsy
This happens to the best of us: you drop your glass of wine, awkwardly bump your chair causing the whole table to shake, or you shoot a much overcooked potato away with your fork. Just assume that something clumsy will happen during such a first meeting with your in-laws. Often, your beloved will remind you of this for the rest of your life.
