Rules For Bringing Your Significant Other Home For The Holidays

It’s the holiday season, and nothing says “I love you” quite like an invite to meet your significant other’s family. For many, meeting the family marks a pivotal moment in the relationship where you know it’s real and that you’re more than just someone’s “little friend.”  Despite the excitement to take your relationship to a new level, proceed with caution because family meet and greets can often end in disaster. 

Understand that timing is everything, and no one knows more about your family than you. If by the end of every family gathering there’s too much liquor consumption and things tend to get out of hand, bring your guest over earlier in the day while everyone is more apt to be on their best behavior. You want to present your family in a good light and not scare anyone away.  Plan to leave early or at least before the usual shenanigans begin. 

Make every attempt to avoid awkward introductions. Talk up your new girlfriend/boyfriend in advance to the family member most likely to bring up all of your past guests. Chances are if you can give prior warning that you’re bringing someone new, they will be less likely to embarrass you. If not, at least you tried. 

No amount of preparation will change the fact that your family will embarrass you. Whether they whip out the old photo albums or start going down memory lane with those “remember that time when” conversations. Keep your cool and take it all in stride. Your s/o will be happy to hear these stories and get some insight into what you were like when you were younger.

Give your bf/gf a heads up about what they are walking into. If your family is slightly dysfunctional, then go ahead and say it. If they are judgmental, rude, nosey or are known to ask a lot of questions; let your boo know to prepare themselves the best way they can. 

Ultimately, you want the encounter to go smoothly and for your family to give their blessings on who you are choosing to be with. If your family already disapproves, reconsider using the holidays as an excuse to bring them around. Also, make sure that none of your exes are on the guest list. Some families have a hard time letting go of the one they feel you should be with. Don’t allow them to create an environment where your new love interest doesn’t feel welcomed.