Getting into a new relationship is an exciting prospect. In the early days, you’ll be focusing on the two of you and the connection you’re building together, but as time progresses, it’s likely your partner will want you to meet their family. All families are different and knowing how you will all get along can be almost impossible to predict – it’s okay to feel apprehensive. Dependent on how close your partner is to their family, they may expect you to meet them fairly soon into the relationship and form a bond with his parents and siblings. The ‘mother-in-law’ is often the family member that can be the most dreaded – however, you might be surprised at how quickly you get on, providing you make a good impression in the early days. In this guide, we’re going to look at some key ways you can bond with your partner’s mom:

Ask her for advice

While you may have your own mother to turn to when you require advice, being open about your feelings to your mother-in-law can often make you a more likable character. You don’t have to be too honest about your fears or concerns but asking for advice can help form a close bond between the two of you, by showing that you respect her opinion.

Be yourself

The best course of action would be to stay true to yourself while around your partner’s mom. This doesn’t necessarily mean acting as though you are in the company of friends or close family, but not acting as someone else simply to impress them. It’s impossible to keep up this persona and she’s likely to notice irregularities in your behavior as time goes on. By staying true to yourself, you don’t have to worry about making huge slip-ups that could catch you out.

Buy her a gift

What better way to make your mother-in-law smile than with a special gift? It’s impossible to know their likes and dislikes aside from talking it through with your partner, however, you could play it safe by browsing gifts for mom that are perfect as a gift when meeting her for the first time, or perhaps even a birthday or other special occasion. This will show that you are a generous individual and have other people’s interests at heart, which is always a great trait.

Understand her devotion to her child

You may clash over a million things, but the main thing you both have in common with your mother-in-law is the love of her child – your partner. However, any mother-in-law can be stand-offish if they believe you’re trying to compete for their child’s attention, which is bound to create a barrier between you. It’s natural for her to feel as though she’s lost her son, however, it’s best to look at the situation as though her overprotectiveness is part and parcel of her natural motherly instinct. Asking for her to give up her role is asking for the impossible.