Meeting my step-brother for the first time

Later this month, dad is getting married again to this Chongqing woman he met while on his vacation to China last year. I already met the lady and she seems kind for me. She even cooked something for us, a Chinese cuisine I’ve never tried before. So tomorrow evening, I’ll be meeting her kid, that means getting to know my future step-brother. How should I act? How should I talk to him? This will be my first time meeting someone who’ll be part of my family. I hope it will be a good one.

Hi Logan, welcome to Permies.

My advice, is to just be yourself and not try to act a certain way that isn't your true you. I'm sure the evening will go just fine. :)

I'd vote for walking in with the attitude "Hey" I get a NEW BROTHER! How COOL!! So HAPPY to meet you!" Expect it to be wonderful and happy, and it most likely will be. A welcoming attitude makes the other person pretty much have to respond back that way.

Congratulations on your new family!! Not often I get to say that to someone when there's not about to be diapers involved.... :)

HI Logan,  

You haven't mentioned your age or that of your new brother.  I agree with Pearl, but having one son who's on the shy side, taking a card game(and don't keep score), box of lego bits (*no* one is too old for lego - not even me.....), something not too competitive, but easy to learn and fun to do as an icebreaker could also help. Any idea of interests in advance so you can bone up on theoretical physics if needed, could also help.

How's his English?  If you know which Chinese language he speaks, having a translation ap on you phone might be good backup too?  Good luck!

Good luck Logan, just be yourself. I am sure your dad will be one of happiest when this time comes!