Guide

Meeting the Persian family

In many Iranian families, meeting the parents is a big step and a big meal. A little preparation goes a long way.

When

Later than on many apps, usually once you are both sure. Families talk, and an introduction can carry expectations. Agree the timing together.

What to bring

Flowers or a box of pastries from a good Persian bakery. Bring something even if told not to: that was taarof.

At the table

• You will be offered food several times. Accept generously; leaving a little on the plate shows you were fed well.
• Stand when an elder enters, greet everyone, and say dastetoon dard nakoneh to the cook: may your hands not hurt.
• Expect questions about work, studies, your family and your plans. They come from care.

If the families are different

Many diaspora couples are mixed: Iranian and not, religious and not, different generations of migration. Talk about expectations privately first, and present a united, kind front.

Keep reading

• Taarof and dating
• For people who want something real
• Faith and Persian dating
• Persian dating, wherever you live