Surviving Thanksgiving with Your Partner’s Family

Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Corynn

You have been dating this person for a while and you’re at the point where it’s time to meet the family. What better way to meet the family is at their house… on Thanksgiving. Feeling a bit nervous? Here’s how to survive Thanksgiving with your partner’s family.

When I met my boyfriend’s family for the first time at Thanksgiving, I was a nervous wreck! I wish someone told me this before I walked into my boyfriend’s house…

It’s Okay to Be Nervous

You’rep probably freaking out right now and that’s okay! You are allowed to be nervous. Honestly, his family is either super excited to get to know you or super nervous to see who this person coming into their house.

Even your boyfriends nervous! Your boyfriend just wants his family to see the super cool person he’s dating.

Be Prepare to be Asked a Million Questions

You will be the star of the show on Thanksgiving! The questions you may be asked are; “Where is your family from?” “what school do you go to? “What are you majoring in?” “Are you allergic to anything?“

It’s completely normal, you may feel a bit overwhelmed, and this is where you can talk to your partner prior to dinner to create a code word or a signal whenever you feel uncomfortable. Also, you do not need to answer all of their questions. They just want to know who you are.

You Will Feel People Staring at You

Trust me they most likely are, they are super curious who your boyfriend/girlfriend brought home. In addition, his family has so many questions to ask you or even questions about your relationship!

His aunts may be staring to see how you eat your food, or even his grandma may want to ask a question but doesn’t want to be rude.

It’ll only happen during for the first half of Thanksgiving dinner… sorta.

Be Yourself!

That’s all you can do! Be yourself and have fun, they can only love the person you truly are. If you go by a nickname, tell them your real name and what you go by. Don’t pretend to like a dish because you are trying to please them, let them know!

You only have a few hours to show who you truly are. Make those hours count.

Bring Something!

You don’t have to, although bringing a bottle of wine (if you are legal to drink) or even a fruit platter!

This shows your gratitude for being invited and they know you’re really giving (hint: because it’s Thanksgiving!)

Your Partner is Nervous as Well!

If you think you’re nervous about meeting your boyfriend’s parents, just imagine what your boyfriend is feeling. I mentioned it at the beginning of my blog post but your boyfriend is super nervous for you to meet everyone.

He probably talked about you all week to his parents. Cleaned his room so you know that he is a clean person (when in reality he’s a bit messy). He actually helped his grandma cook and made sure they knew what your allergies were.

Overall, the day will go by super fast. You won’t even notice! So remember to be yourself and let them see what you are all about. That’s all you can do!

If you get invited to the next family event then you know you did everything right!

Thank you so much for reading my blog post! Need some date ideas for the fall? Click here for over 15 date ideas!

Happy Thanksgiving!