How is it with your western Families?

[somebody]

It was easy Florge, I used to say "The parents", but you know where you can find a chit-chat with women is in thier sanctuary, the KITCHEN, when ever we visit the family I always go away from my husband and go straight to the kitchen asking if I can do anything to help.

So last Christmas (it was the first time we saw each other after the wedding) we were alone in the kitchen and I asked her if I can call her mother. And she said of course I can cos we are friends.

We wifes/partners/gfs should make one step forward or else we will be left sulking beside our husbands in a family gathering.

Hold on I haven't told this story to my husband yet!
Good night!

I bet your Husbands Mum was truely happy and proud you asked her

[Steve.r]

I was just thinking about my trip to Phils and the people I met. Because I was with Charie and she called her mother 'Nanay', I also used this way to refer to her too which I think went down well, her sister I called 'ded chi' which I think is a more personal way to refer to her.........please correct me if this is not the case, but my Mahal said to use this term.
We spent a lot of time in the company of her uncle too, and because of the way we go on together, I called him Uncle.
I think for me and the way I tried to fit in with all of the family I met, it was not out of character for me to use these terms of familiarity, I think it was appreciated that I 'want' to be part of their family and so I was made to feel at ease all the time.

Steve

[beth18]

I was just thinking about my trip to Phils and the people I met. Because I was with Charie and she called her mother 'Nanay', I also used this way to refer to her too which I think went down well, her sister I called 'ded chi' which I think is a more personal way to refer to her.........please correct me if this is not the case, but my Mahal said to use this term.
We spent a lot of time in the company of her uncle too, and because of the way we go on together, I called him Uncle.
I think for me and the way I tried to fit in with all of the family I met, it was not out of character for me to use these terms of familiarity, I think it was appreciated that I 'want' to be part of their family and so I was made to feel at ease all the time.

Steve

That is all fine Steve, Filipino culture are too seriuos about being respectful especially to someone older than you, but normaly you can call anyone older than you by thier names, but not her parents. For that your mahal will be well credited if you give respect to the elders.

Its okay for the parents to be called, Nanay, mama, mom. all my friends call my mother mama. For relatives if you think they are older thatn you, you can call them in thier names.

[beth18]

I bet your Husbands Mum was truely happy and proud you asked her

Sha gave me a hug and kiss.

[pumpkins]

i met my husband family this christmas day. that was the first time i met them all.
my husband came from affectionate family.. hug and kiss here and there. i must admit am little bit uncomfortable with it coz i am not came from family that showing love or affection.althought we love each other but not showing it.
anyway, i am so grateful that they gave me a warm welcome , a new member of their family

[Arthur Little]

Interesting thread! I only ever had a mother-in-law ... but back in the late '60s, it wasn't "quite the done thing" to use her Christian name. Nor, on the other hand, did I ever get around to calling her "Mum". However, once the kids came along, I felt able to address/refer to her as "Granny".

Times have changed, of course ... and nowadays, I'M simply known as "Arthur" by both my son-in-law and future daughter in law.

But yes, Alona, it's really nice that Luke's mum likes YOU to call her "Mother".