Meeting your Family's Expectations When it Comes to the Man in Your Life

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By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Everything about your relationship with your man seems on point. There is mutual love and respect, he takes interest in your hobbies and he’s happy for your happiness and vice versa. You two may disagree or even fight, but your communication is so clear that any problem gets resolved within hours.

Overall it’s a great relationship. But there is one problem.

He isn’t your family’s favorite.

Family is without a doubt a major part in the Latino culture. The closeness that binds one another is unique and having your significant other be accepted in the family is highly important.

Psychologist Susana said it is very important to have the acceptance from the parents.

“That permission makes young adults have a commitment to fulfill what the family expects of them,” she said.

There are some cases where the man is accepted in the family and other instances where he is not. But in every case, it solely depends on the woman’s family.

“In small families where the dependence of its members is promoted, it will be very difficult to get into the family circle, regardless of the man’s characteristics,” Wise said.

Oftentimes, being liked by the parents depends on the relationship the man establishes with her parents and family, including the couple’s love story.

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“If a woman has had failures in the past and has shown immaturity in her decisions, the possibility of finding negatives is much more likely than someone whose life’s history is characterized by maturity, respect and good living with his family,” she said.

However, it’s not just the woman who may encounter hostility from parents. It can also be him who plays an essential role.

“A young man with a dysfunctional family history, low self-esteem and without a solid training platform will make it difficult to get along with the family of the woman,” Wise explained.

There are several ways to maintain a healthy relationship with the family. It starts with respecting, compromising and willing to adapt to another family’s lifestyle.

“If he doesn’t get along with her family, but she wants things to work, the first thing you need to do is identify what are the reasons why he is not welcomed in the family,” she said. “Recognize what is it that you really want and what you’re willing to work to achieve acceptance. It will take time.”

And with time, the communication and overall relationship between your man and your parents may change for the better, and great memories might flourish throughout the years.