You are madly in love with your partner; you wish to be with them for the rest of your life, and you both are planning the future together. Now, what’s next?
Naturally, you would want to introduce them to your family. But not everyone is fortunate to have a picture-perfect family. Like others, your family is also dysfunctional. Their values, beliefs, and ideologies are everything, and doing something they disgrace is a mischief deception.
In such cases, it becomes relatively more difficult for you to tell them that- you are in a relationship. And obviously, you don’t want to hurt them, and going against their sentiments can hamper the family bond.
What do you need to do when your parents dislike your partner?
You’ve brought your significant other to your home only to hear apathetic remarks or full-on “he is not right for you” or “I don’t like them” monologues from your parents; bringing them back home can feel a lot like walking on thin ice.
Dealing with such problems where you have to choose sides between people you love is anxiety-inducing. But it doesn’t always have to be this way! Here are things that you can do to make things easier.
Also Read: How Can Music Help Children Going Through The Divorce of their Parents
1. Try to hear your parent’s perspective.
When you are head over heels for someone, it takes a toll on you when you hear something wrong about them, especially from your parents. But sometimes, it is worth taking a second to listen to what they are thinking.
There are times when your parents can spot warning signs earlier than you do. Your dad is upset that your boyfriend keeps interrupting you and cutting you off while in a conversation, or your mom is stressing out because she has seen you crying after you hung up your boyfriend’s call.
These are a few valid reasons for your parents to look out for you. And it is worth listening to your parents in such fragile and intense circumstances.
2. If the problems are minor and can be fixed, let your partner know
People grow up in different households. Every family has a different set of morals and values. Sometimes, a tiny habit in one home can be a massive deal in someone’s house.
If your partner grew up never helping make their bed or cleaning the table after dinner, it might cause concern to your spotlessly-clean parents. But this problem can be fixed in no time, and you should let your partner know about it.
The real test is when your partner cares to listen and tries to rectify the issue. If they don’t, then it will hamper your relationship later.
Also Read: How to Recover from Toxic Parenting
3. Stick to your ground
As adults, we are free to have our own opinions and ideas. We live in a world where our way of thinking is much more diverse than our parents, and there can be a conflict of thoughts that can affect your relationship with them.
Arguing with them and trying to prove a point now and then won’t help you. It won’t convince them that your choice is correct. Showing that you and your partner love each other and are serious about each other can help you out too.
4. Remind your parents how important your significant other is to you
If you are tired of hearing statements about your partner, then it’s time to have a serious conversation with your parents.
Talk to them about how your partner contributes to your growth, how he treats you, and how good you feel about yourself since the time you’ve been with them.
If everything fails, they certainly do not have to be crazy about your partner, but they need to show your partner basic respect.
Lastly, most parents want their children to be happy. Eventually, they ditch their ideas of a perfect man for you and accept the person you want to spend your life with. You have one life. Being stuck in a situation wherein you have to hop from one place to another is no way to live. Just remember, your parent’s advice is essential, but ultimately, you have to live your life on your terms.
