Most singles find it difficult enough to navigate the world of romance, hoping for the right connection and the right dating advice for their situation to help guide them along. When tossing in the holidays and some of the pressures that it brings, dating can be an even more daunting task.
The Thanksgiving Day holiday usually presents a great opportunity for those in a new relationship for meeting the parents and other family members; but it can also be an awkward situation for couples at all stages of a relationship.
There are some important things to keep in mind for these types of dinner dates where couples can have so much pressure surrounding them and it may prove useful to ensure that the event goes off without a hitch, especially for those hoping to find love in their future.
Couples Just Starting Out:
When heading out to meet new people there are many undiscovered personality traits that linger within those who may still on so many levels be strangers. The process of getting to know someone is hard enough without family pressure thrown into the mix and any form of a misunderstanding can lead to complete disaster.
Those couples who may be going on a first date, or are still getting to know one another should be extremely considerate of one another's feelings. Even in cases where couples have met through internet dating and may know one another fairly well, as online dating is designed for this very type of connection, there may be traits that are yet undiscovered when face to face.
CAUTION: Watch out for these common mistakes in a new couple situation:
- Under dressing or over dressing for the occasion: Simply ask your date about this to avoid embarrassment.
- Showing up without a gift: Whether flowers, a bottle of wine or even a 6-pack if the situation seems appropriate, you always need to remember that courtesy is impressive and it's usually the thought that counts.
- Bad table manners: Eating like a pig won't carry much weight with potential future in laws and even if you're not marriage minded, you don't want to start out on the wrong foot; your date's parents might just have a great winter cabin!
- Be prepared for questions: Stumbling over the basics when your date's family inquires about you may make you seem a little shady. You don't necessarily need to rehearse, but be ready to let them know what makes you tick.
- Watch your drinking: Even those who seldom drink may find themselves feeling nervous in such a situation and may just over do it without noticing. Be careful to watch your alcohol intake so you don't make a bad impression of yourself.
- Save the attraction for later: A little kiss, hug are pat shows that your relationship is good, but too much may just get you some angry dad or mom glances. Keep an eye on the body language you display toward your partner so their family doesn't think you can control yourself for a few hours, which may make them feel hesitant to invest any time in getting to know you, lest you turn out to be nothing more than fling.
- Be polite: Remember your please and thank you forms of speech as especially on a holiday this might be more than expected.
- Watch food portions: If you're serving yourself be careful not to take too much of anything until you know how it tastes; as this is a new cook in your life you may be unpleasantly surprised and you don't want to seem rude by leaving unsavory leftovers on your plate. Once you know which dishes are tasty you can always beg a second helping, which is often thought of as a compliment.
- Kids at their best: For those moms and dads navigating the world of single parent dating, remember that if your child is present on such an occasion how they act is a huge reflection on you. Those who allow their children to rude, dirty and generally unpleasant may find that even if they present their best sides that their efforts are in vain. The experience maybe a little overwhelming for your little one as well, so try to put them at ease by staying close and being supportive so that everyone had a chance to warm up to one another.
CAUTION: Watch out for these common mistakes in a more experienced couple situation (many of the above new couple standards still apply):
- Be supportive of your partner: The holidays and meeting up with family can be stressful, remember that your special someone might be a bit cranky and try to be there for them. Use that bond between you to toss a supportive look their way or pull them aside and make them laugh about the trials and tribulations of family when you have a moment to do so. This kind of support can really help you to be closer and to get through tough holiday gatherings.
- Don't blurt, reveal or steal limelight with your partner's family: In such situations people often feel compelled to share news and in some cases, news that their partner's may prefer stay unsaid. BE sure to connect on any big reveals or upcoming events before blurting them out for the sake of conversation and if your partner has anything special to announce try to say it together or let them have the floor if it is their family.
As one last piece of advice, remember that many families go around the table and give thanks or enjoy discussing what they might be grateful for in general. Try to remember that this may be a key moment of insight into your personality, so try to have something good to say that allows you to share with everyone.
Other Articles You May Enjoy |
|
|
|
|
|
