What To Do When Meeting Family of Friends?
By mimico
@mimico (3617)
Philippines
July 6, 2008 11:34am CST
Imagine this: you're at the grocery picking out some items when you bump into a friend and start chatting away. Later on you notice that his or her parent/s is/are standing nearby just listening to the conversation go on. You've never been introduced, so you don't know their name or what they do for a living. Do you include them in the conversation? Or just wait to say goodbye before acknowledging their presence?
This has happened to me so many times whether in church, at the mall, or during a game! And it always baffles me what the parents of my friends expect me to do. Do hey want me to say hello then carry on the conversation? Or do they want me to end the conversation so they can go their merry way?
2 people like this
4 responses
@Gargoyle0134 (1257)
• United States
6 Jul 08
This is simple to me. I am a friend to the friend. But I have NO interest in meeting their family. If I bump inot a friend that's wiht family I say HI and am polite, ubut scoot out of there and get on my way fast!
..what can I say? I am an adult. I don't need their mommy's approval? If they need that..not my issue.
2 people like this
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
7 Jul 08
his is interesting. Thanks for sharing. I am always conflicted with what to do during situations like this. Isn't the parents' approval influential on your friendship as well? Even though we are adults, out parents still meddle in our lives. So not wanting to make small talk with members of the family is also like shunning your friend.. That's just the way I see it but thanks for your opinion on this. :)
1 person likes this
@sunshinelady (7609)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I have always turned around and said hi to them and if it is a good friend I will say something so that the parents
can be included into the conversation. I also will mention to my friend if they need to get going let me know and that I will let them know I will give them a call later.
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@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
7 Jul 08
"I will also will mention to my friend if they need to get going let me know and that I will let them know I will give them a call later." Oh this the answer I'm looking for! I don't do this but perhaps I will. It's both friendly and polite. Way to go, sunshinelady. This is a very useful tip from you. Thanks so much for sharing. :)
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@sunshinelady (7609)
• United States
7 Jul 08
Thanks mimico for BR. This is something I have always done.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I think unless the friend introduces them to you, or involves them in some way, you could just go on pretending they're not there, as the friend is doing. Or perhaps a wave or head nod in their direction as a "hello" so they know you know they're there.
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
7 Jul 08
Yes, I usually just ignore them and pretend they're not there as you mentioned. But at the back of my mind I know that they know I'm just pretending not to see them. It's like when you're avoiding someone so you deliberately bide behind your bag or go to the next counter and pretend that it's just all "fate" but in reality it was deliberate. I really like the second response here. If you're reading this, katsmeow, then you might want to use the "I'll call you later" idea. :)
@Valenas (1507)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I say "Hey," to my friend, and "Hello," to his or her parents or family. If the friend wants to introduce them to me, I leave it up to him or her. Sometimes, the parents and family take it upon themselves to make an introduction. I think it's funny when they say, "Oh? You're (my name here)? I've heard so much about you!" You've heard so much about me? What exactly has my friend told you? I always want to ask that, but people always say, "Only good things," whether its true or not. But, I at least greet the parents or family so that they do not think that I am rude.
1 person likes this
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
7 Jul 08
That's nice. I wish all the parents were as friendly. Really. I've met some of my friends' parents who give me the evil eye as if silent asking me to vanish into thin air! But there are chatty ones who are eager to meet acquaintances of their children. These are the easiest to deal with because they just take it upon themselves to make everything go smoothly. I do wonder sometimes what my friends tell their parents about me...
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