Meeting Their Friends + Family; What Should You Do?

Here at Muddy Matches we’re all about helping you meet your own countryside love. But once you’ve found your Muddy Match, the next step is meeting your new date’s friends and family. And this, we’re sure you’ll agree, can be very, very daunting. After all, you’re on show and trying to make a good impression, all whilst being ‘you’. It can be a bit of a minefield. Try out these tips to reduce the stress, feel confident and enjoy yourself.

1. Throw yourself in at the deep end?

It’s quite common for people to meet entire families at once – at a wedding, a party or an anniversary. Stop right there. This is a sure-fire way to forget names and feel on uncertain ground. It’s better to meet friends and family in smaller groups. This way, you can get to know them properly, make connections and relax to show off your best side.

2. Conversation killers

Try to keep the conversation light and relaxed. Swapping views on politics, religion, business and so on can wait until you know them better. Try talking about you and your date’s shared loves and interests, and remember to ask questions to find out what they love to do.

3. Location

Your partner’s family and friends might like to play host and invite you over for a meal or drinks. In this situation you have to contend with the courtesies of whether to take a gift, flowers, chocolates… Why not suggest meeting for a pub lunch or a meal out so that you’re all on neutral ground? Alternatively, if you know that they are fellow countryside-lovers, you could invite them to join you for a walk or even a bike ride. After all, strolling along in beautiful countryside is a fantastic, pressure-free opportunity to chat.

4. Mix and match

Thinking about going for a drink with your date’s friends? Why not ask some of your own friends along too? That way, your date is in the same situation and you never know, you might be able to match-make a couple of friends along the way…

5. Just keep talking

If you’re still nervous and intimated make sure you talk to your date about how you feel. Sharing your concerns will bring you closer together. When they know you might not be looking forward to the occasion quite as much as they are we’re sure they’ll be eager to make it even more smooth for you.