Oh, holidays. There's something about this magical time that gathers everyone together to give thanks and be merry. What a perfect time to bring someone home for the first time! They get the chance to meet a large group of people that you've spent literally your entire life around, people who have raised you and loved you since day one. However, this can also be a very nerve-wracking time to show someone where you come from, because you're introducing them to a house (or hotel, etc) full of your relatives and just hoping for the best. If you're anything like me, and you like to overthink everything, several scary scenarios play out in your head as soon as you realize your new boo is about to meet your favorite people in the world. Here are the top ten thoughts we worriers have when we bring our SO home for the first time.
1. "Oh god, he/she's going to think we're, like, so weird."
Suddenly you start questioning everything you once considered totally normal. Will your SO think your traditions are strange? Will they like the food? Will they get all the inside jokes?
2. "No, they're going to think he/she's so weird."
Now you're wondering how your family will react to the new person. Are they going to approve? Disapprove? Question your entire relationship? Probably not, but you can't help but wonder.
3. "Here we go, here we go."
The worst part is when you finally arrive at the doorstep of your parents' house, just hoping that everyone will be excited and warm. You stand there and wait anxiously for someone to get the door, all the while trying to act like everything is fine.
4. "No one is freaking out. Phew. We're doing OK."
As soon as your SO meets your immediate family, things start to settle down. It's a little less intense once they have a moment to talk and become familiar with your parents and siblings, because now the anticipation is over.
5. "I think they're actually...getting along."
You're starting to feel a little silly now, as your SO chats it up with your parents and everyone seems to be having a great time. All of your panicking during the trip to the house seems to be ridiculous as your parents question your SO and approve of them
Really, you spend an awful lot of time worrying about something that seems to simple now. As soon as you break the ice and get the chance to observe your partner in action with your family, you realize that you stressed out for nothing. It's the anticipation, really, that got to you.
Happy Holidays!
