Talking with the Bride's Family for first time

These are just a few broad points you can try to keep in mind when meeting your prospective in-laws. At the end of the day, it all depends upon your nature and how good you are at communication with people. Little anxiety is natural and it will help you keep on your toes, lest you should forget the latent sensitivity of the entire setting. 

Most of the points discussed below apply for first few meets. With the passage of time, you’d all get to know each other better and decide the tone, topics and tenor of conversation. Before going ahead, we assume that you are aware of the significance of dressing properly and observing the etiquettes of social conduct.

(Hopefully) Sweet Sister

Just be naturally charming without flirting or it will appear as if you are hitting on her. Flatter/compliment her a little when occasion allows, so that you’d be in her good books. Talking about generalities like movies, vacations, her work/studies, hobbies, family etc is considered safe. Most of the times it’s easier to deal with the females – you just have to give a lead and they’ll happily oblige in taking the conversation along.

Caution: No staring at all, especially in case the sister is hotter than your intended. Refrain from any kind of sexual comment or compliment. Consider this conversation as one akin to job interview – you’ve to be pleasing and confident but not flippant and excessively casual.

Skeptic Brother

Brothers are overly protective of their sisters and therefore be prepared for some skeptic questions, despite their pleasant countenance. Do not be intimidated by her elder brother and under no circumstances resort to talking about ‘cool’ things like women, alcohol, etc with one who is nearly your age.

Safe topics for conversation include cricket/soccer, business/career/education, future plans etc as the case may be. Keep the talk light hearted and answer questions with natural ease and honesty. Do not come across as high handed or boorish.

Mom – Dad (Her Parents)

Her dad has obviously done a thorough background research about you and your family before agreeing to this meeting. However, it still doesn’t mean that it’s a ‘yes’. Even as you interact with the girl and the others, your behavior is being acutely observed.

When it comes to mom and dad, be confident and respectful towards them. Observe all the social etiquettes you remember. Keep the talk light hearted and anyway, you’ll be answering the questions asked. You would hardly be asking a question in return, right? Talk in the language with which you are comfortable. This is not at all the time to show off.

Chatty Aunts and Stodgy Uncles

Though they may not have any say in the final decision, you cannot afford to be in their bad books. Here’s why:

The aunts will gossip the most about you in the coming days and you wouldn’t want an unhealthy reputation for yourself. Uncles are quite rigid in their opinion. They will be guided by their first impression of your behavior for a very long time (probably rest of their life, if you do not get an occasion to alter that)

Talking to aunts is easy. Keep an amused countenance, answer questions pleasantly and try giving positive opinion over any matter referred to you. Do not smirk under any circumstances and sometimes do make effort to charm them. If your PR skill is good, then it shouldn’t be difficult at all.

This is just a general view of how things are. No doubt there’d be an all-observant, sensible aunt who knows how cowed in you feel and a well meaning uncle with admirable wit.

These entire tips bottle down to same conclusion: It’s simply about saying right thing at the right moment or saying nothing at all.