Spending this holiday with my Fiance's Irish/Catholic relatives?

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bluebell

What should you expect? Well, if they are like most of us, religion isn't something they will be on their high horse about. They won't joke about it, or make you feel uncomfortable, and they certainly won't try to convert you. We aren't frenetic or fanatical, it's OK by us if you follow a different creed. There will be no tension at all.

They are visiting a new area, so they will enjoy every single thing they can see and do. Be ready to tell them of anything notable or of particular interest where you live. You could ask them about their trip, what else are they hoping to see, what it is like at home, plans for Christmas, next summer's holidays, last summer's holidays (did they do anything exciting or adventurous?), you know, general stuff. People love to talk about what they know best - themselves. Ask them, it will help you get to know them.

If there are a lot of Irish coming, you might do well to get a word in edgeways. We are said to have the gift of the gab, but it's all pleasant, good fun. Have a wonderful holiday, and if the wedding is taking place soon, very best wishes for a blissful future.

Priscilla Duck

Most Irish people have learned from the past not to talk about religion or politics, although you can probably expect to be asked something about your new President-elect. We share a lot of tv shows and popular culture, so anything about tv, film, books, music etc is fine. Sport not so much, unless both they and you are interested in soccer - most Irish are interested in Irish sports (GAA) and know nothing about baseball or American football, and I doubt you know very much about hurling. A lot of discussion will be about the differences between the US and Ireland, like customs, shopping, the education system, etc. Find out what they are interested in, ask them lots about themselves and their everyday lives. Most Irish do have a teasing sense of humour, you will have to get used to that if you're marrying into it. It's never meant meanly, just laugh along and come up with a smart response if you can. Don't take it seriously or they'll think you're humourless and a bit odd. But they should be on their best behaviour if they're on your territory. Just relax and take it as it comes.

EDIT -- and DON'T listen to Podge and Rodge!! Ever!

Podge and Rodge Tribute Band

It's a very good idea to steer away from the whole political area.
It might save you a lot of grief. You're absolutely right about keeping the conversation pleasant and relative, and sher you can't go too far wrong with sport.
So here's an idea: Why not ask them about who they think is going to win the next Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers in the soccer?
You should have great fun talking about that.

Viva La Eire!

Have you been specifically told that these people are very religious?

There is an incredible stereotype of the irish that we are very religious. That's not the case anymore for the vast vast majority of us. That's not to say that the country is free of religion, no doubt there are still very religious people here but that's not to say that they are pushy and rude about it and that they condemn other religions/non-religious people.

Unless you have been told specifically that these people are religious then you have nothing to worry about and even if they are that's not to say that they will 'poke fun' at the fact that you are atheist.

DONT WORRY ABOUT IT!

Rachel F

I'm irish and my sister and her fiancee who is american both live in new york. His family are presbyterian and my family are catholic. We have spent the last 3 Christmases together and are going to spend this christmas together aswel and to be honest there is never any tension between us we get on extremely well. Just like in everyday living religion isn't an issue and we get on together as people irrelevant of our religions. Over here it is soccer, rugby and irish football that are most popular so maybe look into so of them. Relax and enjoy!! And when american's think of rural ireland they think of farmers and people who have never been in a city! But Ireland has become one of the most diverse and modern countries in europe so they are going to be normal people with more in common with you's than you think!!

nurseratchet

Just be yourself!

I am Catholic my partner Protestant and we live in a rural area (well it's a large town but in terms of the rest of the world it's probably rural!)

Irish people are very welcoming and we (and you're future in-law's) will take you as well as you present yourself. Unless you go out of your way to insult then you'll be grand! Show an interest if they do talk about religion..you don't have to be converted! I find it interesting when I learn about others beliefs etc.

Don't mind Podge and Rodge they're messin about! Don't bring up old firm games! (ye rascals!!)

Orla C

I doubt very much that it will be an issue, to be honest.

My sister-in-law has a Scottish Presbyterian background, it's not an issue in my family, who are nominally Catholics but really Pagans. (Only they haven't quite accepted it yet. But each to their own!)

froggequene

Irish people do have some modicum of manners, it's unlikely your relatives would raise the issue of religion but you might find talk about weddings a bit stifled if you don't want to raise the issue, they will want to know if you're going for a church or Church wedding.

Since you apparently don't know your in laws very well, perhaps you ought to allow them to ask the questions.

DaveTheOdd

Listen, unless they are fanatically religious they won't give a flying funk about what kind of religion you follow...or don't follow.
Don't judge people before you get the chance to even talk to them. Has your Fiancee mentioned anything about this AT ALL? If he hasn't stop being paranoid.

coma violet

What ever you do, DO NOT talk about politics of any kind (trust me).

lncrcrn

It all depends on the people, it might never be brought up in conversation, but if it does, grow a pair of balls and fight back, we irish love nothing more than a good slagging match, we can laugh at ourselves as much a we can at others and we are not easily offended. do not be ashamed of your ancestry. do not try to deflect things because we see that as an attempt to hide something, they will respect you a hell of a lot more by being straight up and honest.. good luck and enjoy the holidays................ they might not be the redneck hillbillies that you are portraying them to be

citeog

Sounds to me like they are the ones who will have to watch what they say around you.Lighten up ....you prod !!

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