Write an article based on this "Dress well. Bring them a small gift if you're going to their house. Start conversations that show you’re interested. Compliment them and their stuff. Have a one-on-one chat. Be especially polite if you are in public. Try the food even if you don’t think you’ll like it. Let them know how nice it was to meet them."
Like it or not, the way you look is a big part of a first impression. Choose clothes that flatter you without making you look overdressed. You don’t want to be slumming it in sweats when you meet your in laws. At the same time, you wouldn’t want to wear a cocktail dress or tuxedo when everyone else is in sundresses or polos!  Make sure that your clothes are clean, presentable, and not too revealing or potentially offensive. For casual or semi-casual occasions, you could try wearing a nice button-down shirt or polo with khakis, or a dress that makes you look great while still being comfy and not flashy. In cooler weather, a nice sweater can do the trick. Jeans can be ok, too, as long as they're clean and free of tears. If your in laws have invited you over, it’s often considered polite to bring food, a drink, or a small gift with you. Ask your partner what they think is appropriate, and give it to your in laws yourself when you arrive.  Things like a bottle of chocolates, or some flowers can do wonders. Make sure to ask your partner about their in laws’ expectations first. In some cultures, it’s considered offensive to bring something when invited over. Ask your partner if their parents enjoy drinking alcohol before bringing wine or another alcoholic drink as a gift. If they don't drink or if they are opposed to drinking, alcohol will not make a good gift. Work with your partner and do a little research. Find out what your in laws are interested in, and make sure to ask them about that. You can also ask them about their hobbies, home, or family history. Showing you care about them will go a long way!  If you have any common interests, bring those up to form bonds: “Mr. Smith, Sam tells me you’re interested in scuba diving. Me too!” Even little comments and questions like “Who’s in this photo?” will show your interest. Try giving comments like “You have a beautiful home!” or “I love that sweater--where did you get it?” Compliments like these are another way of showing your in laws that you’re interested in them, want to be on good terms with them, and are a nice person to be around. Even if their style is different from yours, find something you can compliment! Try an old standby, like "That's a really interesting wall hanging. Where did you find that?" If you’re at a big family gathering or some other group event, try to get a moment to chat alone with one or both of your in laws. This doesn’t have to be a big talk, just a chance to show you feel comfortable around them. Thank them for inviting you, and tell them you look forward to spending more time together.  Try saying something like "I just wanted to say thanks for inviting me. I've had such a good time! Why don't we get together again next weekend? We could try that new Vietnamese restaurant." You can also try some small talk, like complimenting their clothing, talking about the weather or sports, or asking about their plans for the weekend. These little chats are a great way to bond! Your in laws will be paying attention to how you treat them, your partner, and really everyone else, so show respect and politeness! For instance, if you’re having dinner at a restaurant, now’s not the time to criticize the food, be rude to the server, etc. If your in laws have invited you over or out to eat, actually trying the food will show you respect them and appreciate the invitation. Even if it’s something you don’t normally eat, try a little bit. If you don’t like it, just say thanks and that you’re full!  If you have religious, health, ethical, or other serious reasons for not eating something, just politely let your in laws know. Telling your in laws that the food was delicious will also make a good impression. Make sure to take a moment before you leave to tell them you had a great time. Say what a great time you had, and that you hope to see them again soon.