20-40-60 Etiquette---The in-laws are coming!

YOU ASK! WE ANSWER! YOU DECIDE!

By Callie Gordon, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Helen Ford Wallace

QUESTION: I am a newlywed. My in-laws are coming from out of town and will be our houseguests. Are there rules that I should know about entertaining houseguests? Should I provide them my car to drive while they are in town? Should I plan a list of activities for them? How about meals?

CALLIE’S ANSWER: What I am getting from the questions you’re asking is that you aren’t close with your in-laws. If they have never visited Oklahoma, I would make plans for them to explore the city. Also, I would make dinner plans with them if they do not have prior engagements. While, they are in town, I would definitely be “on call” for them. Good luck!

LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: The “Golden Rule” applies here — think how you would want to be treated if you visited people in another city and approach their visit from that perspective. Then use this time as a way to open up communication with your new in-laws.

Ask them if they will need transportation and then help them arrange it, unless you have an extra car that you don’t need. Plan a few activities to do with them and a list of things they might want to do when you can’t be there. Let them know in advance what your schedule is so they know what to expect; include them in your plans if you can. It’s always fun to meet friends of friends (or relatives) in other cities.

Enjoy meals together — save money by cooking in. I am assuming that they are coming to see you and your spouse, so make sure you plan to spend time with them. We visited two families of dear friends in Washington, D.C., over the summer and enjoyed their company immensely. At night, we cooked in and visited with our friends; during the day, we toured the city on our own while they went to work and school. They dropped us off at the Metro station in the mornings. They were gracious hosts, and we were thankful to see them.