We all know the stereotypes of “meeting the parents” when
dating someone. Meeting the boyfriend’s mom, being grilled by the girlfriend’s
dad, not to mention the fact that IF you are actually meeting these people in a
pre-arranged date, place, and time you are saying you are serious enough to
start meeting each other’s family.
Now add in today’s modern awkward addition of your parents
meeting your boyfriend’s kids and vice versa! I feel like this should be 9 new
cliches rolled into one. I mean this is taking it to the heat as far as
seriousness goes in my opinion, and not that I am not comfortable with that,
but even when you are in your 30’s or even 40’s – approaching your parents and
letting them know you are this serious (obviously a second time around) is
still weird and makes you feel like you are a teenager again.
Last week, A and I
did the above with my parents, luckily I think the kids (even though we were
missing one, I mean we know where she is ;)) were the least nervous of all. The
oldest found something in common when going through my dad’s old vinyls and
talked politics with the younger one, then all 4 boys (A, my dad, the kids)
bonded over a remote control helicopter. All while my mom was kind enough to
entertain my kiddo so we could actually speak to one another. It actually went
rather well on both sides.
Part of the reason I am posting about this is the fact that
SO many times, separately and together, A and I have begged for a book on what
the heck we are doing and are we doing it right and why must people judge
because WE ARE in our 30’s. But it’s the second time around, so caution is
there despite feelings and judging eyes are just waiting for the crash to
happen.
However, we are solid in our relationship – no matter how
the modern world or “traditional families” may look at us. And maybe, just
maybe, if I keep documenting enough – and y’all don’t gag from my not as single
in suburbia posts – we can write our own darn book to help those after us know
that they aren't messing up their lives (nor did they the first time around) or
sending their children into therapy.
