# Meeting the Russian in laws

**Language:** Russian  
**CEFR Level:** A2  

> Master Russian family etiquette by listening to Дмитрий and Мария's conversation about surviving your first visit with the in laws. It may feel challenging at first, but by the end of this course you will be able to fully understand and participate.

**Setting:** The setting is a cozy kitchen in a historic apartment on Vasilievsky Island in St. Petersburg, filled with the aroma of brewing black tea. Dmitry has just arrived from Siberia, and Maria is helping him unpack and prepping him on her parents' expectations before they arrive for dinner.

## Lessons

### 1. Expressing concern about meeting people

Dmitry expresses his anxiety about meeting Maria's strict parents, while Maria reassures him that they simply appreciate order.

### 2. Asking about household rules

Dmitry asks Maria about her family's household rules and customs, and they discuss what kind of gift would please her father.

### 3. Planning how to compliment someone

Dmitry asks Maria how to make a good impression on her mother, and Maria suggests complimenting her homemade cabbage pies.

### 4. Discussing food preferences

Dmitry shares his usual food preferences but agrees to try the cabbage pie, while Maria advises him on how to react politely.

### 5. Addressing someone formally

Dmitry asks Maria how he should address her father, and Maria teaches him her father's name and patronymic.

### 6. Discussing table manners

Maria helps Dmitry practice pronouncing her father's name and gives him advice on when to sit at the dinner table.

### 7. Asking about social etiquette

Dmitry asks Maria what will happen if he sits down too early, and Maria explains how her mother might react.

### 8. Discussing what to drink

Dmitry asks Maria about the drinks they will have, and Maria advises him on when to drink vodka and what topics to avoid with her father.

### 9. Suggesting topics of conversation

Dmitry expresses his reluctance to talk about politics, so Maria suggests he talk about nature and the forest instead.

### 10. Discussing how long to speak

Maria advises Dmitry to limit his stories about the taiga to an hour so he does not overwhelm their hosts on their first meeting.

### 11. Reassuring someone before a meeting

Dmitry promises to keep his stories brief, while Maria encourages him to smile more and reassures him that everything will go well.

### 12. Preparing to welcome guests

After Maria compliments Dmitry's character to boost his confidence, Dmitry decides it is time to get the cups ready and make tea.

### 13. Thanking someone for an explanation

Dmitry thanks Maria for explaining how to behave, and Maria checks if he is finally ready to welcome her parents.

### 14. Confirming that you are ready

Dmitry assures Maria that he is prepared to meet her father with a gift of taiga honey, earning her enthusiastic approval.