What kind of small talk can one make with boyfriend's parents? Particularly father?

Question

My boyfriend's mother doesn't speak English and therefore, I usually end up conversing with his father. Thing is, I'm not very practiced in making conversation with men. What kind of generic topics can I bring up to make dinners a bit more comfortable for everyone?

Answer 1

I find that just asking my girlfriend's parents' opinions on things is the best way to go.

This way, it looks like you value their opinion, and want to make good choices in life.

For example, Ask him if he thinks, his car, house, neighborhood, industry is a good one to have (because YOU always thought so, of course =) ). If he doesn't pick up the ball and start talking, it's his deal, not yours. . .you tried, and will continue to try another time.

The fact that you care enough to ask us means you'll do fine.

Good luck~

Answer 2

My feeling is if you have to ask if you are doing ok with this, something is bothering you about this, even if it's just a minor twinge. Do you think your daughter is too young, but know if you forbid her to date she'll be mad or fear she'll get sneaky? Do you not want to offend Ethan's parents since you know them so well? If it were a boy you hadn't watch grown up, would you be so trusting? Or maybe you are still getting used to uncharted teenage girl years territory, so it's all new and still a bit uncomfortable? Just food for thought. I think 15 is a tricky age--I know some who are mature, confident, and will make good choices. I know others who couldn't find their way out of a wet paper bag. You know your daughter best. But I will say one thing, from all my years working with teens and families, I've never met a teen who tells her parents *everything,* yet I've met plenty of parents who *swear* their children tell them everything. The math doesn't match up. They might not be having sex behind those closed doors--but what are they doing? How far are they going? I doubt it's all study, all the time. Personally, while I would be thrilled that my daughter is dating a trusted friend of the family, I'd ask that doors be kept open when in the house. If it really is too loud for studying, work on quiet times in the home. And don't be afraid of your daughter's anger over it. She's still a minor, and she still needs parenting. Ultimately, it sounds like your goal is to keep her safe and help her make good choices. Sometimes, the way to do that is to set limits that the teens hate. Think of it this way--she is still young in some ways. She may want you to set those limits to help her keep things from moving too quickly. Good luck!

Answer 3

Oh boy, it sort of depends on what kind of guy he is. I'd go with hobbies, computers/cars (or whatever gadgety stuff he seems to like...sorry to stereotype but it does seem to be common), sports (if you are familiar with them), how to get to places, places he's visited or lived if it wasn't like a war zone or something, his family tree (what his name means, if he's into geneology, which a lot of older guys are, this is a great topic). In general, if he doesn't show a lot of interest, back off and let it go.

Your boyfriend should be helping out here too. If he's just sitting back and letting you do all the conversational work, he deserves a little bit of a talking to (elsewhere than at the parents' house).

Answer 4

You can talk about education,finances,the weather,whats going on in the world which is going require that you look at the news or buy a paper or get on the net. If that's not enough ask about your boyfriend and his childhood was like what was some of the things he did as a child and ask to see some baby pictures and I bet the mother will try to communicate some kind of way when those baby pictures come out.

Answer 5

Ask your boyfriend what interest his father. Study up on it a bit and talk about that the next time you go. I think you'll find the conversation will be a lot less forced.

Answer 6

talk about the future, your goals, ambitions, or anything that relates to experiences youve had. Keep it relative...silence is not a bad thing either, allow him to bring up topics if needed. I would avoid topics that involve opinions until you feel at ease. Dont want to get in a convo where u feel one way, and he feels the other

Answer 7

You could talk about something you both have in common...your boyfriend. Ask Dad questions about what your boyfriend was like growing up. Ask his advice on something you know he is knowledgeable about. Ask him where he works and what he likes/dislikes about it. Ask him what his life was like growing up. Tell him about your future career aspirations. Good luck. Hopefully, Dad will keep up his end of the conversation.

Answer 8

You have to talk with the father but try not to forget the mother, try taking about sports, which sport does he like, movies, it also depends what he does for living, what he does the weekends, any hobby, animals, food, good luck¡¡

Answer 9

Ask if his wife gives good head. :) Heh, sorry... Honestly, find out from your boyfriend what his dad is interested in or any hobbies he has. Read up on them, and start a conversation that way.

Answer 10

Does he golf? or have other hobbies you could ask about? If you absolutely have nothing else what about asking about his work or talking about your work or school? I'm surprised that your b/f hasn't given you some ideas....could he suggest something or even get the conversation started? I always depended on my husband to do that when we were dating...Good luck!!!!

Answer 11

Just talk about life. Because no one person holds a monopoly on all that is right and true, you are bound to learn something from each other. Be yourself. Do not pretend to be someone other than yourself!