Sex Ed 101

Family Bonding

I just started dating this guy and met his family, he is the only boy with 2 older sisters and a Italian mother from New York. What are some things I could do to be more bonding with his mom and sisters? I really like him he's such a gentlemen but I don't want to make a fool of myself or say something wrong for them not to like me. :( Any words of wisdom... lol

become friends with the mamadukes and sisters.... | age 20 | July 16, 2010

JamieG says...

That's always a tough situation, at least for me. If it makes you feel any better, chances are they're not actually looking to hate you, so they won't jump on you for any single minor infraction - and if they do, they weren't going to like you no matter what you do or say, so there's no point worrying about it.

Aside from that, do you have anything in common with them? Or is there any particular skill that his mother and sisters have that you would like to learn? For example, if one of his sisters really likes zombie movies (and so do you), you could see if she wanted to see a new one with you when it comes out. Or if his mom is a stellar cook (and you go over there for dinner or something), lay on the praise and maybe ask her to share one of your boyfriend's favorite recipes. I wouldn't try to spend every weekend over there or anything, but if you want to make a good impression and maybe even have a separate relationship with them, don't be afraid to hang out with them without your boyfriend every once in a while.

But even if you're not trying to form some super-tight personal bond with them, remember basic guidelines for playing nice with people you don't know very well: always use your best manners, ask lots of questions when you're talking, and stay away from 'serious' topics, like religion and politics.

Good luck!

Tags: relationships, sex ed, in-laws

Published on July 16, 2010 by JamieG | Read all recent Sex Ed 101 articles.