Meeting the Family

Rahul brings Priya home to meet his parents, and later visits her family too, as both sides get to know each other.

Meanings in Rahul, Priya, Vikram (father), Sunita (mother)

Key words and phrases

in-lawsthe family of your spouse or partnerHe gets along well with his future in-laws.

blessingapproval or good wishes, often from eldersThey sought their parents' blessing before getting engaged.

impressto make someone admire or think well of youHe wanted to impress her parents.

backgrounda person's family history and upbringingThey asked about his family background.

approvalofficial or family agreement about somethingThey got the family's approval for the match.

traditioncustoms passed down in a family or cultureTheir family follows many old traditions.

well-manneredpolite and behaving properlyHer parents found him well-mannered and kind.

matcha suitable partner for marriageEveryone agreed they were a good match.

nervous energyrestlessness caused by anxietyHe was full of nervous energy before dinner.

welcomingfriendly and making someone feel acceptedHis family was warm and welcoming towards her.

hospitalityfriendly and generous treatment of guestsPriya was touched by the family's hospitality.

formalfollowing polite, proper social rulesThe first meeting felt a little formal.

awkwardcausing embarrassment or discomfortThere was an awkward silence before someone spoke.

respectfulshowing consideration and honor for othersHe was always respectful towards her elders.

curiouseager to know or learn somethingSunita was curious about Priya's hobbies.

comfortablefree from tension or anxiety, at easeThey tried to make her feel comfortable at once.

gesturean act showing feeling or intentionBringing sweets was a thoughtful gesture.

warmthfriendliness and kindness in behaviorVikram greeted her with real warmth.

hesitantslow to act because of nervousnessShe was hesitant to speak at first.

bonda close connection between peopleA strong bond formed between the two families.

Useful sentences

Ask Mom, Dad, this is Priya. She's someone very special to me.
Answer It's so nice to finally meet you, Priya.
Ask What does your family do, Priya?
Answer My father is a doctor, and my mother teaches at a school.
Ask How long have you two known each other?
Answer We've been together for almost a year now.
Ask Do we have your blessing for this relationship?
Answer Of course, you both have our full blessing.
Ask Will you join us for dinner this Sunday?
Answer We would be happy to.
Ask What do you like to do in your free time, Priya?
Answer I love painting and reading old novels.
Ask Are you feeling comfortable here with us?
Answer Yes, everyone has been so warm and welcoming.
Ask When would it be a good time to visit your parents?
Answer They would love to see you next weekend.
Ask Did you bring anything for the family?
Answer Yes, I brought a box of sweets as a small gesture.
Ask How do you feel about joining this family?
Answer I already feel a strong bond with everyone.

Dialogue

RahulMom, Dad, I'd like you to meet Priya.

SunitaIt's wonderful to finally meet you, Priya. Please, sit down.

PriyaThank you for having me, Aunty.

VikramSo, Priya, tell us a little about your family.

PriyaMy parents live in Pune. My father is a doctor.

VikramThat's lovely. We would love to meet them soon too.

SunitaPriya, what do you like to do in your free time?

PriyaI love painting, and I also enjoy reading old novels.

RahulShe even painted the picture hanging in my room.

VikramReally? That's wonderful. You must show us more sometime.

Common mistakes

Saying "She is my would-be" instead of "She is my fiancée" or "She is the girl I'm going to marry."
Saying "Give your blessings" instead of "Give us your blessing" (blessing is usually singular in this phrase).
Saying "My family is agree" instead of "My family agrees" or "My family has agreed."
Saying "I am feeling comfort" instead of "I am feeling comfortable."
Saying "He is very much respectful person" instead of "He is a very respectful person."
Saying "I have curiosity about your family" instead of "I am curious about your family."

Quick quiz

1. What do you call the family of your spouse or partner?

2. Complete: "They sought their parents' ___ before getting engaged."

3. What word describes someone who is friendly and makes you feel accepted?

4. Which word means 'friendly and generous treatment of guests'?

5. What did Priya bring for Rahul's family as a thoughtful gesture?

6. Which word describes a close connection formed between two families?

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