3 months for your father-in-law to like you!

two men in a vineyard drinking wine and laughing

A new survey, conducted by greetings card marketplace, thortful.com, has revealed the time it takes father-in-laws to approve of their son/daughter's partner, revealing that the average amount of time is three months. The study quizzed 1,000 father-in-laws across the UK on how long it takes for them to approve of their son-in-law, as well as the attributes that are most important to them.

man and woman walking arm and arm outside

It was found that a quarter of father-in-laws (25%) said they actually approved of their son/daughter partner from the first moment they met them, with just less than one in 10 (9%) taking 7 months or longer to approve.

The survey also went on to reveal that almost two-fifths (37%) said that they are happy with who their son/daughter is in a relationship with. More than one in 10 (11%) went on to say that they don't believe their son/daughter needs their dad's approval on their partners, with it completely being their choice.

On the other hand, almost one in five (19%) said they would tell their child if they didn't like their partner, and 16% said they have actually told their child in the past if they haven't approved of who they are with.

The top ways to win over your father-in-law:

  • Show respect to my family (24%)
  • To be family orientated (24%)
  • Take the time to build a relationship with me (18%)
  • Be there during tough times (17%)

two men laughing when looking at a phone

  • Show desire to learn more about my child (15%)
  • Looking at some of the other important factors, 8% said that their potential son-in-law should laugh at their jokes, spend lots of money on their child (8%) and go to the pub with them (7%).
When asked when their childs partner/spouse should avoid doing in order to the get their seal of approval, the top answers from the dads surveyed were:
  • Being disrespectful (26%)
  • Have a bad attitude (22%)
  • Being fake-nice (19%)
  • Forgetting manners (15%)
  • Being a know-it-all (14%)
  • Not speaking to our family (14%)
  • Some of the other attributes that are best avoided were, getting drunk (13%), swearing in front of them (13%), and having sex in the family home (10%).
More information on the study can be found here: thortful.com

You may also be interested in

Win an Engaged Couple a Dublin Minimoon with GoHen & StagWeb

Win an Engaged Couple a Dublin Minimoon with GoHen & StagWeb

Leading UK stag and hen party providers, StagWeb and GoHen, have launched a brand-new competition offering one lucky engaged couple the chance to win a Dublin minimoon - completely free. Whether it's a little pre-wedding trip to escape the planning stress or a post-wedding adventure before the honeymoon, it could be the perfect little wedding gift for the happy couple - read here now!

READ ARTICLE

King Street Townhouse has announced plans to refurbish two of its event spaces

King Street Townhouse has announced plans to refurbish two of its event spaces

To celebrate its upcoming 10th anniversary, King Street Townhouse has announced plans to refurbish two of its event spaces and 10 guest rooms, with completion scheduled for April 2026. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance architecture of the original Edward Salomons design, the renovation introduces a contemporary perspective while preserving the hotel's distinctive character and charm.

The South Terrace and Lounge will feature a new bar with mirrored detailing to enhance natural light, alongside flexible room dividers and an adjoining rooftop space offering panoramic views of Manchester's skyline. The Mezzanine Lounge will be transformed into an intimate, elegant hideaway, with a refined palette of navy, brass, and soft neutrals, complemented by bespoke seating and a dedicated bar.

READ ARTICLE

Expert says prenups aren't just for the rich and famous

Expert says prenups aren't just for the rich and famous

Legal experts at Richard Nelson LLP are urging Brits to rethink who prenups are really for. While often seen as something reserved for high-profile couples, data suggests they remain largely overlooked in everyday relationships. Just 7 percent of divorced Brits had a prenuptial agreement in place before separating, highlighting a significant gap between perception and reality. Regionally, attitudes vary. Manchester has emerged as the UK's 'prenup capital', with 13 percent of divorced couples having one in place, compared to 8 percent in London and 11 percent in Birmingham. Meanwhile, cities including Liverpool and Southampton reported no uptake among those surveyed.

READ ARTICLE

Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage

Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in a couple's life. It is also one of the most emotionally revealing. As someone who has coached over 1,300 women into healthy, committed relationships and marriages through my Love Success Framework, I can tell you this: the way you handle wedding planning is often a preview of how you will handle marriage. Not because of the flowers. Not because of the guest list. But because of how you navigate stress, expectations, decision-making, and emotional needs together. A wedding is an event. A marriage is an energetic ecosystem.

READ ARTICLE

Follow Your North West Wedding Magazine on Instagram

VISIT SITE

Follow Your North West Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your North West Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE

Follow Your North West Wedding Magazine on YouTube

VISIT SITE