No stronger bonds can be found in the world than those between an Italian man and his family. Nowadays it took a whole new level, as many guys choose to live with their parents rather than find their own place in life. Family relations are so vitally important for Italians, that it was estimated that this becomes a reason for divorce: when it comes to choosing between a spouse and parents, italian men always chose the later.
Italy is still the region of Europe which doesn’t want to step back from their traditions that have been forming for years. So while you choose to date an italian man you automatically sign up to valuing his customs the way you value yours. That includes respect to all his family members, sometimes even exaggerated.
If you serve all requirements set by strict and opinionated family members of your partner, you can be lucky to get their blessing for your further relationship and even marriage. What concerns meeting italian man’s parents, you should remember a few things:
- You will get acquainted very early. Opposite to now widespread western tradition to meet your fiancee’s parents shortly before engagement, italian men prefer to bring their woman into family circle pretty fast. They need to know for sure, you are approved, otherwise a chance for your affair to last is very small;
- Learn italian traditions beforehand. If you are not sure what to do at italian family dinners or celebrations, ask your guy to make a little excursion over their culture. Try to remember how to behave and what to say, it will help to make a good impression. Good thing to know will be unique traditions that his family has, as these may differ in each household;
- Find out if they are strongly catholic. Though Italy is now a technologically developed country a lot of people there still remain true to religion, be it the influence of Vatican or just the way they were raised. Discuss with your boyfriend the topic of how catholic traditions influence his family in particular and what is expected from his spouse-to-be from religious point of view.