Introducing your partner to your parents is a big thing. It’s not something you should do quickly or simply for the sake of it. You need to know the right time to meet the parents according to your situation.
Do it when you are both ready. Figuring out when the right time is will, of course, have a lot to do with how strict or relaxed your parents are. If they are laid back then go right ahead and plan something casual. Just remember to be sure that your partner is comfortable with it as well.
It may not be a big deal on your part, but it will be a big deal to your partner as meeting the folks is a surefire way to validate the seriousness of your relationship.
If your parents are more formal in the sense that a suit and tie at dinner is called for, then perhaps you should take more time to prep your partner beforehand so he or she knows what to expect.
Either way, all parties have to be ready for the meeting if you want it to be a success.
# You are mutually exclusiveYou will know that it’s the right time to meet the parents once you are mutually exclusive. There is no point in putting everyone through the paces of getting to know one another if your relationship is not going to last.
Once you have decided that you are going to be saddled with your partner indefinitely, it is probably the right moment to make the introduction to your parents.
# Your partner has met your friendsIf your partner has hung out with your friends on more than one occasion, then it is safe to say that he or she may be ready to meet the folks.
There is less pressure when it comes to meeting a group of friends and if your partner passes with flying colors, then think about amping it up a notch and introducing them to your parents.
# Your partner has met your other family membersWhether your partner has met other family members by pure chance or intentionally, once he or she has met an extended family member, it is probably time to meet the parents.
For example, you and your boyfriend may have run into your aunt at the supermarket and you introduced them so as not to be rude. Remember that people talk. News will spread like wildfire that your aunt met your boyfriend before your parents did.
Even chance encounters such as these can lead to massive family drama, so take the bull by the horns and set up a lunch date with your parents sooner rather than later.
The same can be said if you introduce your girlfriend to your sister over cocktails and tapas. What makes you think your sister is not going to report everything to your mum?
Expectations will be set, pre-judgments will be made and before you know it, your parents will be harping on you to introduce them to your special someone.
# You talk about the futureOnce you start thinking in terms of “us,” instead of “me,” then you know that the timing is right to meet the parents. If you see yourself being with your partner for a long time, then the next course of action is to make him or her a part of your life.
That means meeting the people who created you. This step will certainly make your partner happy as it serves as validation that you are taking things to the next level.
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The idea isn’t intimidating to you
If the idea of your partner meeting your folks does not scare the bejeezus out of you, then what are you waiting for?
This is a good sign as it indicates that you are comfortable with the two worlds colliding. Ensure that your partner feels the same way and don’t push them if they are not ready.
# You are proud of your partnerIt is undoubtedly harder to introduce your parents to your slacker boyfriend than it is to introduce them to someone who has his shit together.
If you are proud of who you are with, it is inevitable that you would want everyone to know about his or her accomplishments. You want the people you care about to see just why you are so in love with this person.
# Everyone is readyWe suppose if you cannot figure out when the “right time” is, then just take it easy and only set up a meeting with the parents once everyone is mentally ready.
Speak to your parents about this special someone and gauge their reaction when you suggest a meeting. Do the same with your partner. Once you think that everyone is comfortable enough to take the next step, then you will know that it is the perfect time.