5 Tips for Charming Your Significant Other’s Family

Summer Adventures: 5 Tips for Charming Your Significant Other’s Family

Life is different now, but it won’t be this way forever. At some point, we will be going back to our normal routines. And for some of you, that might include meeting your significant other’s family for the first time.

If you’ve been sitting at home for the last couple of months, you might be overly excited to get out of the house and meet new people.

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Or you might have gotten used to your solitude and are wondering whether brushing your hair is really necessary before meeting the woman who birthed your boo (spoiler alert: it is).

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So, go make yourself presentable, and then come back to read our 5 Tips for Charming Your Significant Other’s Family:

1. Bring a Gift

No, we’re not suggesting bribery … per se. A hallmark of older times, hostess gifts are still appreciated, all the more because they’re not as common as they used to be. No need to splash out on something expensive. A pot of fresh herbs or a special treat from your favorite bakery are thoughtful ideas.

2. Avoid Pitfalls

If you’re lucky, your SO’s family is easy-going. But chances are, there are still some topics you should avoid. While we don’t necessarily agree with the age-old philosophy that restricts polite conversation to the weather, it’s a good idea to avoid hot-button issues and capitalize on common ground. Maybe you and your boo’s dad both love to garden, or run. Arm yourself with information that will help you make a connection, and steer clear of anything off-color.

3. Be Helpful

If you’re meeting in their home, don’t forget to offer to help. Be the first to start clearing the table or offer to dry the dishes if someone else is already washing them. Not only will you mark yourself as someone willing to pitch in, but you will create another opportunity for conversation.

4. Don’t Look Like a Slob

This one should go without saying … but we’ll say it anyway. Make sure you look neat and well-groomed. Save the ratty tank top for your workouts and the provocative dress for date night.

5. Breathe

Last, but not least, relax. When you’re stressed out, you’re less likely to maintain control of yourself. Be yourself. You got this.

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Get Creative

Get Creative: Stay Motivated, Positive, & Sympathetic with Your Inner Circle

You know friends and special others can help you land jobs. They can influence your mood and behaviors. You know that you can do the same for them. But what do you know about helping your favorite people develop their creativity and what that means for you? Let’s get creative!

Did you know that love, specifically long-term relationships, boosts your creative thinking? A study conducted by the University of Amsterdam concluded that people in long-term relationships have enhanced holistic thinking and therefore, creative cognition. It was also determined that these results had nothing to do with sexual encounters and therefore, the results can also be applied to long-term friendships and family members.

But why is creativity in a relationship so important? What does that mean for your love life, relationships, and friendships? Let us explain.

Motivation

Creative minds tend to be more motivated. Having a creative circle can help with motivation in any aspect of your life, whether it be your inner competitor, cheerleader, or empathetic self. Staying motivated and having motivated relationships can help you stay consistent with your goals.

Positivity

Creativity correlates with positivity. You would think you would have to be in a pit of despair to get your creative juices flowing, but the opposite is actually true. Staying positive can enhance your creativity, and being a part of a creative/positive circle can help you live a more fulfilling life.

Sympathy

Sympathy is beneficial to creativity. If you have a good support system around you at all times that shows you sympathy or to which you can show sympathy, you become more sensitive and attuned to others’ needs, which is a trait that fuels creative minds.

A Diverse Social Network

A diverse social network enhances creativity. As long as you remain open and share your thoughts honestly, having strong relationships with creative people can help open your eyes and mind to new ways of doing things, solving problems, and even encourage you to push past your current limits.

There are so many ways to enhance your creativity with friends, families, and significant others. From long, open conversations to trying new restaurants to the more traditional forms of art like taking art classes or playing board games, there are so many ways to remain active with your friends and family members. Whichever way works best for you, encouraging your circle to stay creative unlocks a whole new level of cool friendship! 

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