When you’re in a relationship, it may be important to you that your family gets along with your partner. And that makes total sense! It’s awesome when our partners can be involved in multiple areas of our lives and hang out with the other people we care about.
But what if that’s not the case? What if your parents or other family members disapprove of your partner? This can be really tough. It might make you feel terrible or torn between your family and your partner.
You might want to react defensively and maybe angrily toward your family if they tell you they don’t approve of your partner. You might even want to ignore what they say and just shut them out or keep your relationship a secret from them. Those are pretty common first reactions, but it can be helpful to think through the situation further.
What can you do about it? Here’s a look into things to try and make the situation better;
- Have them interact
In addition to talking about the things you love about your partner, bring him or her around so that your parents can interact with them. They may just get to see what you see in this person.
- Give them an ear
Yes, you are a grown man or woman entitled to living your life the way you want, there is no debate about that. The other truth however is that your parents want what is best for you. They do have a reason for objecting. Do not shun them without first hearing them out. They may have a point.
- Don’t keep the relationship secret
It is very tempting to keep a relationship secret when you know in advance that your parents will disapprove. The wise thing to do is to stand with your truth and to deal with the consequences. Secrets relationships do not last.
- Explain yourself
People in love are sometimes proud. You feel that no one has the right to question your choice of partner. If your relationship is bringing friction in the relationship you have with your parents, consider throwing this pride out the window. You may remedy this situation by simply sitting your parents down and talking with them about your feelings and the things that you love about your partner. This may get them to see him like you do.
- Agree to disagree
If you talk with your parents about why you love this man or woman and they just can’t see things your way, it may be time to agree to disagree.
- Weigh the pros and cons
While true love is a good thing to have, it is not enough to fuel a romantic relationship to old age. There are so many other components in a relationship. Before you decide to choose one side over the other, weigh the pros and cons of staying against those of leaving.
- Support your partner
If you weigh the pros and cons and you see that having your partner in your life is the better option, support them. Let them know that you will love and support them despite the hiccups. This togetherness is the only thing that will be holding this relationship together.
- Give it time
It is said that time heals everything. Time may also soften your parents’ hearts. If you have done everything you could to get them to accept your partner without fail, do not give up. Giving them some time may work for you.