"Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Your Husband's Family, So That You Will Always Be Considered a Great Wife!"

2017.07.11 published

What to Be Careful About When Visiting Your Husband's Family?

After getting married, many couples return to their families during the Obon holidays or New Year’s vacation.

While it’s easy to visit your own family, visiting your husband’s family can still be nerve-wracking...!

Many brides might feel this way, right?

Of course, if you have a good relationship with his family since you were dating, or if you live nearby and frequently visit each other, you might feel comfortable at your in-laws’ house.

But in reality,

“Even if they say ‘Just sit down,’ I’m not sure how much I should help...”

“I thought I was being considerate, but maybe it wasn’t enough for them...”

It’s natural to have these concerns!

Even though you’ve become family through marriage, you still want to act politely towards your husband’s family and hope they think, “You’ve got a great daughter-in-law!”

In this article, I will introduce five important things to keep in mind when visiting your in-laws.

① Contact at least 1-2 weeks in advance

Whether you’re visiting your own family or your husband’s family, it’s best to contact them at least 1-2 weeks before visiting.

Especially if it’s an overnight stay, it’s best to inform them as early as possible.

Letting them know your arrival time will also make it easier for them to plan, which is kind!

② Don’t forget a gift!

This is common knowledge, but...

The impression given with or without a gift is completely different, even if they don’t explicitly say it!

You can just ask your husband what kind of snacks his parents like and bring those.

Some people even prepare small gifts for the father-in-law, mother-in-law, grandparents, or siblings for milestones like birthdays or job changes!

③ Always be ready to help!

Once you arrive at your in-laws’ house, I recommend actively offering to help with housework.

What to bring? An apron!

Wearing an apron and asking, “Is there anything I can help with?” will surely make your mother-in-law happy.

Of course, every person may respond differently with things like, “Just sit down,” or “Well, maybe you can do this,”

but it’s really important to always look for opportunities to help!

④ Share photos and memories!

During meals or family time, actively discuss your married life!

You could look at engagement or wedding photos together and reminisce, share recent outings you’ve been on...

It’s also nice to hear stories about your husband’s childhood!

⑤ Send a thank-you message after returning home

And once you’ve safely returned home, don’t forget to send a thank-you message!

Ideally, do this on the same day, or if it’s late, the next day via email or phone call is good manners!

Maintain decorum even in familiarity!

How was that? I introduced five important things to remember when visiting your husband’s family.

These are all things to consider whether you are married or not.

“Even in familiarity, there’s politeness.”

Let’s keep this phrase in mind, maintain good manners, and have an enjoyable visit to your in-laws!