Passover is on the horizon, and I’m sure by now you’ve figured out where you’re spending it and with whom. If your significant other will be joining you and your family for the first time, drink lots prior prep him or her accordingly. Any holiday can be stressful, even when you’re dealing with your own family; imagine how much more daunting it is to spend it with someone else’s! If you’re bringing your “bae” along for the ride this time, you both may be experiencing some pre-holiday stress. Here are the top tips for preparing your significant other for Passover with your family.
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- Tell them to speak slowly. It’s easy to start talking fast when the nerves kick in, so make sure they think about this as they talk.
- Give them a heads up on any grandparents who might be losing their hearing so they know to speak loudly and clearly to them.
- Let them in on any family favorites (i.e. Dad loves baseball, little cousin is obsessed with American Girl dolls, etc.) so they have some conversation starters on deck and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
- If your parents aren’t totally thrilled with the idea of you spending the night together, make sure it is not brought up in any way, shape or form. Let’s be honest – they know it’s happening, they just don’t want to hear about it.
- Make sure they bring a gift. It’s always a nice gesture to bring a little something as a “thank you” to the host. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but it’s still important (and a great way to make a good impression).
- Give the host a head’s up on any allergies/food aversions. If the fish comes out and your S.O. is deathly allergic to it, you can expect both the host and the guests to feel incredibly awkward.
- Clue them into your family’s typical greeting behavior. This one might sound silly, but it can be uncomfortable. For example, I’m a hugger; I literally hug almost anyone I ever meet. So if my boyfriend’s family really likes their personal space and would be freaked out by me greeting them with hugs, I’d want to know that in advance.
- Create a secret signal you two can use. If your S.O. is feeling uncomfortable or just needs a little breather, he or she can use the sign to let you know. Maybe it’s a head nod or a certain word; either way, find a way for them to hint to you when they need a temporary break from family time.
- Review your family’s Passover traditions. Not every family celebrates in the same way; some follow tradition very closely while others are a bit more casual in their approach. Give your S.O. an idea of what to expect at your gathering.
- And, finally, have a drink prior with your S.O. to calm their nerves!
Ultimately, it’s very exciting to introduce your family to the person you’re currently seeing. It’s a big step in a relationship, but it can also be easy, relaxed and fun if you allow for it to be. Follow the steps above to relieve some of that pre-family time stress before Passover. Good luck!
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