How to Take a New Girlfriend to a Family Reunion
Bringing a new girlfriend around immediate family members can be daunting enough. However, introducing her to the whole clan at once during a family reunion can be downright overwhelming for both of you. Preparing her and your family ahead of time is key to a successful meet-and-greet between the family that has known you for your entire life and the woman for whom you are falling.
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Instructions
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Ask your family in advance if it is OK for you to bring your significant other. In some instances, family reunions are viewed as private family events and outsiders may not be welcome. In others, the more the merrier. Therefore, you need to talk to the organizers of your reunion to find out which type of reunion yours is, so you know it is appropriate to bring your new girlfriend.
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Prepare your girlfriend ahead of time. She may be overwhelmed by so many family members in one place, and it may place a strain on your relationship once the reunion date is over, particularly since your relationship is new. Give her a heads up on the more eccentric family members and tell her which ones are going to ask off-the-wall questions like, "When are you two getting married and having babies," so she won't be caught off guard.
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Don't leave her alone with your family members. This is her first time meeting so many family members in one setting, so it is not the time to go off for a round of basketball or a spades marathon without her. She may feel uncomfortable, and it is your job to make sure she has a good time. Stay with her throughout the reunion, unless she is obviously otherwise engaged, at which point you can sneak away for a few minutes at a time.
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Discuss how to present yourselves and your relationship ahead of the reunion. The last thing you want to do is say that she is your new girlfriend, while she is on the other end of the reunion banquet hall saying she is just your special friend. Reach an understanding ahead of time regarding the status of your relationship, since you already know people will be asking.
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