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That awkward moment when you bring your partner home, and your family acts a little icy. It happens; you may find yourself in a situation where your parents just don't get along with your partner.
But how do you recognise the signs, and what can you do to help the situation?
Speaking on Fox 26, psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini gave some helpful tips for couples who may find themselves in this sticky situation.
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Identifying the signs
Here are some signs that may indicate that your parents aren't too fond of your partner:
1. They exclusively invite only you to family functions, cutting your partner entirely out of the picture.
2. They openly criticise or compare your partner to peers.
3. They dismiss your partner's achievements with passive aggressiveness.
4. They act cold and silent when your partner is with you.
"When they act aloof, I think more they're dismissive of your partner or the mention of their name, that's a very good sign that your parents don't like them," explains Mary Jo.
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Tips to help
All hope is not lost, though. Here are some things you could do which may help mend the relationship between your parents and partner:
1. Plan casual, low-key get-togethers. "What your parents need to see is how this partner treats you," says Mary Jo, adding that it may help to soften them.
2. Consider your parents' perspective. It does not mean you have to agree with them, but sometimes they may see things that you do not.
3. Always respond with maturity, respect and boundaries.
4. Love your partner for who they are.
5. If you need to, don't be afraid to discuss your situation with a friend or a professional.
"Remember your partner is not a symbol for rebelling against your parents. Love your partner because you really care about them and think that they're a good person."
