# Surviving the Spanish in-laws

**Language:** Spanish  
**CEFR Level:** A1  

> Listen in as Andrea and Mateo talk about navigating family dinners and cultural expectations in real, everyday Spanish. By the end of this course their conversation will feel easy to follow, and you'll be ready to join in.

**Setting:** The setting is a lively traditional café near the Plaza del Altozano in Seville's Triana neighborhood. Andrea and Mateo meet here after work to chat as Andrea coaches Mateo on how to survive his upcoming first Sunday lunch with his partner's traditional Sevillian family.

## Lessons

### 1. Expressing feelings about upcoming plans

Andrea asks Mateo if he is nervous about his upcoming Sunday lunch with a partner's family, and she reassures him that they are very friendly.

### 2. Asking what to bring

Mateo asks Andrea what her family usually talks about and wonders if he should bring a gift like wine or dessert to the lunch.

### 3. Asking about food preferences

Andrea suggests that Mateo bring a dessert to the family gathering, and they discuss what kind of sweet treat would be best.

### 4. Asking for recommendations and times

Mateo asks Andrea where he can buy a good cake nearby and confirms the start time of the family lunch.

### 5. Discussing punctuality

Andrea advises Mateo on what time to arrive and explains the local attitude toward lateness, prompting Mateo to plan on arriving early.

### 6. Discussing social expectations around food

Andrea warns Mateo that he needs to eat everything served to avoid worrying his hosts, despite the large amount of food.

### 7. Talking about hunger and eating plans

Mateo jokes about fasting until Sunday to prepare for the big meal, while Andrea advises him not to eat too much beforehand.

### 8. Suggesting topics of conversation

Andrea suggests that Mateo talk to the father about soccer, but Mateo admits he does not know much about the sport.

### 9. Asking about someone's feelings

Andrea advises Mateo on how to behave during the meeting and asks if his girlfriend is also feeling nervous.

### 10. Describing someone's personality

Mateo shares that his girlfriend's mother is very direct, while Andrea describes her as a good person.

### 11. Asking how someone knows another

Mateo asks Andrea how she knows the mother, and Andrea explains that they live in the same neighborhood.

### 12. Reassuring someone

Andrea reassures Mateo that the mother is caring, helping Mateo feel more confident about the meeting.

### 13. Making a promise

Mateo promises to tell Andrea all the details later and thanks her sincerely for her support.

### 14. Offering another drink

Andrea brushes off Mateo's gratitude and suggests having one last coffee before he has to leave.