A
female
age
30-35,
*oeismeanyou
writes:My boyfriend and I have been dating for 6 months. So far he's has met my family but for the most part they like him. But I haven't met his mom yet (I met his younger brother and sister). She doesn't speak english well and I'm really anxious about meeting her in fear of her saying something mean or rude in spanish and me not being able to understand her. I've spoken to my boyfriend about this and he said that he'll say whatever she said to me in english. But I'm terrified that she may say something mean about me right in my face and he not repeat what she said and lie just to be nice because he doesn't want to hurt my feelings. What should I do? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Andie's Thoughts  +, writes (7 January 2017):
 If you want a future with this guy, you and any children you may have will have to learn Spanish (at least enough to have half-decent conversations). Start now, by learning a few phrases:"Hello, how are you?" (and possible answers: "fine"/"okay"/unwell"/sad"/"happy"/etc.)"My name is ______."Numbers 1 - 12 (clock times too)"I apologise for my Spanish; I've just started trying to learn some"."You have a lovely home" (for when you visit)"Please"/"Thank you""Water"/"Tea"/"Coffee"/"Milk"/"Sugar""Yes"/"No"Family titles: "Mum"/"Dad"/"Children"/"Son"/"Daughter"/etc."Toilet"/"Bathroom"The start of questions: "Who?"/"What?"/"Where?"/"When?"/"Why?"/"How?""Sorry"I think that should do to start with. Ask your boyfriend to help you; if he won't, he's not a very understanding guy.
A
female
reader, Youcannotbeserious +, writes (7 January 2017):
 As the offspring of an immigrant family who spoke very little English, let me tell you that the mother will probably be far more worried about what YOU think of HER. Please make an effort to try to put her at ease. If you are concentrating on that, you are far less likely to worry about what she will think of YOU. Brilliant suggestion from Ivyblue. Get your boyfriend to teach you a few words or phrases to say. It doesn't matter if your pronunciation is spot on or not, or even if you have to write it down on a piece of paper, as long as you make the effort. I know my mother would have instantly warmed to anyone who had made the effort to learn a few words in her language.
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female
reader, Nittynora +, writes (7 January 2017):
 I agree with Ivyblue. Just be well mannered and polite.
try to learn some of the customs and language.
This may help www.justlanded.com/english/Spain/Articles/Culture/Social-customs-in-Spain.
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A
female
reader, Anonymous 123  +, writes (7 January 2017):
 Why would you assume that she would say something nasty about you? There's no good reason to! Why are you so sceptical that she won't like you? And let's for a second think that even if she does, you can't stop her, can you? If she doesn't like you and chooses to be snarky then just too bad... For her!
You might not understand her language but you'll know very well what vibes you're getting from her and how her body language is. That should give you a lead. If you feel unwelcome or that something's off, you know where things stand.
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female
reader, Ivyblue  +, writes (7 January 2017):
 Try learning a few key words to show her at least that you are making the effort, heck I'd even go as far as to have something pre prepared written down on paper. Including somewhere along the lines a playfulI " please excuse my Spanish- insert HUGE WARM SMILE ". I think you can get a good idea if she has taken a liking /disliking by her body language and facial expression.
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A
female
reader, eyeswideopen +, writes (7 January 2017):
 Learn Spanish
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