1. You and this person are not that serious yet and you are wondering if things are moving too fast.
A Lot of the best relationships begin when you least suspect them to. This can also cause you to be cautious of how fast you are willing to go before things get serious. When you are happy it is hard to see whether things are progressing at the right time or if things are happening too fast. But when the person you are dating first asks you to meet their family, it is like a glass of cold water is poured on you… you realize that you are ‘involved’. I’m not saying you are on your way declaring the “L” word or anything too scary, but things just got a little more serious.
2. You have considered every possible way that their parents will not like you.
One of my biggest fears is meeting parents. Not just my significant others parents, but parents in general they scare me! I feel like that first meeting makes an impression which decides whether they like you or if they even approve of you in their child’s life. There is even more pressure when you are meeting the parents of someone you are in a relationship with. You know that their opinion matters, and a part of you wants their approval. Of course, movies like “monster in law” have scarred us and convinced us that we will never be able to reach their expectations. I have a very close relationship with my mom and if my boyfriend could not get along with her I would have a problem with that. Who doesn’t want that reassurance when you meet them? Who doesn’t want to know if you are made a part of the family or not?
3. You are worried that their food will suck, and you will have to eat it all and say how it good it was.
I am Puerto Rican and so food is a very important aspect of my culture. Because of this, I fear meeting my boyfriend’s parents and not liking their food. Make no mistake, I will eat anything they put on my plate with a smile but that does not always mean I am enjoying it. Another fear is that they will hate my cooking. My mom is an amazing cook, but she is also a big critic. Whenever she eats someone else’s food she holds nothing back. That includes the food that my brother/sister-in laws have cooked.
4. You had a panic attack in front of that department store you go to just thinking about going.
Recently my roommate was going to visit the house of the guy she is seeing, to help her “dress to impress” we went to the closest department store to shop, but when we reached the doors she froze. She looked like she was on their lawn, and was having a panic attack. I told her to breathe as we hesitated in front of the doors, reminding her that we were only in front of Tj Maxx.
5. Your friends tell you all the things you should and should not do:
Of course, when you are freaking out you want to go to the people who show you the most support. But sometimes they can bombard you with things that only cause you to freak out even more. Like when they bring up common courtesies when you go over to someone's house. For example, never going empty handed. Trying to figure out what to bring can be added stress. But if you are feeling confused or scared? Talk to your friends and family because trust me they can see the change in your relationship even before you do and can tell you if things are moving a little too quickly. They can also reassure you when you are freaking out.
I hope this has helped, but for all of you who are still freaking out just remember the most important thing. Be yourself!
