Commonly Asked Dinner Q's
Whenever you bring home a new loved one for dinner, it’s inevitable that your parents will ask you questions about them. Bringing home your new copy of ReadMe is no different. Today we will discuss some of the questions you can anticipate will be asked of you and your new beau, and how to best respond to them to inspire confidence in your parents.
“So how did you two meet?”
This is a common question that gets used to open up the conversation. It is important to make a good first impression, tell them about how you two met and hit it off immediately, a thoughtful answer can go a long way to reassure your parents.
“How do you resolve conflicts in a relationship?”
This question is used to gauge how well your new partner would handle potential conflicts in a relationship. This is when you may want to verbally coach your new copy of ReadMe to avoid talking about things like anger management issues and chronic alcoholism, and instead, talk about idealistic scenarios and communication strategies.
“What are your intentions with my child?”
A slightly deeper one, this question requires a more thoughtful response to ensure a positive impression. This is a good chance to veer the question slightly in a tactful manner. They may give a wholesome anecdote illuminating some revelation or positive experience that you’ve shared that will tell your parents why you are so committed to each other and what direction they intend to take you.
“What are your long term goals?”
This is a question entirely dependent on your partner, but you may be able to help them by gently reminding them of dreams they’ve divulged to you in the past. Nonetheless, it should be simple to answer, because even generic answers are acceptable. It’s often hard to define what success can mean to each person, so if you want to be extra impressive, coordinate beforehand to share similar goals in life.
“What is your current relationship to your family like?”
Even though you may be aware of the complicated relationship between every copy of ReadMe and their parents, you must both be careful. If you wish to open the dialogue to the divorce between the Editor in Chief of ReadMe, the staff writers, and The Tartan, twist it in a way that shows reflection and a desire to end the cycle of violence. Otherwise it may be safer to feign a relationship that isn't there.
“Why can’t you bring home a scientific journal like your older sister? Now that there is a paper of fine academic background, I still remember the feeling of archival grade paper and ink as she passed it around. If you have to date a newspaper, which is your decision to make, can’t you at least bring home one of slightly greater repute? It’s always the free, easy editions with you, couldn't you spend just a little more and get a copy of the New York Times or Wall Street Journal? If it has to be a magazine format I know The Economist is very popular with the new generations. Why can’t you be normal?”
Despite what it may seem, this is a good sign. Your parents have taken an offensive stance because they care about both of you and have taken a more intimate position. This is the best opportunity to use the strategic offensive principle of war that states the best offence is a good defense. You’re used to being compared to your older sister, so the attack has little emotional weight. Sidestep their argument by bringing up things like their negligence to you, or how the relationship between your parents has driven the family apart. Being angry is a display of care deep down, so reciprocate the affection your parents are showing by being equally combative. If you are able to end the night on this note, you will have ultimately succeeded in getting your parents to welcome your new copy of ReadMe by treating them as an extension of the family.