Dating someone that comes from a big family is a different experience. Picture "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," but with slightly less extended family. We fought, cried and ultimately grew up with this large group of people. We basically raised one another because we outnumbered our parents.
Here are some things you should know if you date someone with a big family:
1. Meeting the family is not a one-time event.
This is mostly because it's extremely hard to get the entire family in one place at the same time.
2. Friends become family.
Since our family is already huge, what's a few more members? With so many people coming in and out, there's always an open-door policy.
3. Family dinners usually are loud and involve more people than just the family.
4. When you finally do get the family all in one room, you'll probably hear endless stories of our childhood.
Things were broken and Dad is finally not mad anymore, so we can all laugh about it now. Growing up was never boring.
5. Dinner is usually buffet style.
We've learned to fend for ourselves, because if you wait, you'll get lost in the crowd or miss out on the best foods.
6. This only made us more independent.
We learned how to do our laundry, get ourselves up in the morning and ultimately take care of ourselves. Sometimes this led to someone wearing boxers to school because he thought they were shorts, but no one is perfect.
7. We value loyalty and family over anything.
Although we had our own share of fights as children, as we get older, our family becomes that much more important. We became a group of friends we can't get away from.
8. Therefore, we will expect you to know every one of our siblings' names.
Usually in age order.
9. We have big personalities and probably talk far too loud.
How else would you get heard?
10. Most of our conversations with our siblings contain a sarcastic remark or joke at their expense.
Mostly because, that's just how we show one another we know one another far too well.
11. If you decide to marry into our family we will expect you to join in on the fun.
12. Because "quiet" is never acceptable.
13. Dating someone with a big family means becoming part of the family.
So get ready for the crazy times ahead of you.
