The holidays can be a stressful time with all the hustle and bustle of buying gifts and holiday parties, but what may stress you out even more is introducing that special person in your life to your family. Jennaydra Clunis, founder of the matchmaking service LoNoLi (Love No Limit), which focuses on using a personal approach to carefully connect individuals seeking their ideal partner, has some tips to help relieve your stress.
Below are a few ideas on how you can introduce your significant other to your family during this holiday season.
Intro 1: Invite Him or Her Over for Christmas Day Dinner
Pros: He or she will get to meet everybody from your mother to your cousin twice removed. It shows your SO that you take him or her seriously, and allows you the chance to see how he or she interacts with the people in your family.
Cons: There may be a few embarrassing moments or stories being shared about you. Also, it’s a one-chance shot. Whatever your family or your SO learns from this meeting can make a lasting impression on your relationship that you may not like.
While this method of introducing a new SO to the family can be seen as the easiest way, it should be reserved for a serious relationship. Do this when you’re way past the honeymoon stage in your relationship.
Intro 2: The Holiday Outing
Pros: Minimal stress if any. Parents and other family members are out and enjoying themselves so most likely everyone is having fun. This gives you and your SO an escape if things don’t go well or you two just want “away time.”
Cons: SO may not seriously get to present himself or herself to important family members as you may have hoped.
I like this way and recommend it to couples that are either new in their relationship or may not be too serious. It’s the holiday and you, of course, want to spend time with your family and your SO. So why not go see the NYE Ball drop, a Christmas tree lighting, bowling, ice skating, or whatever else is going on, together. This allows your SO to feel included with you and your family during the holidays without too much anxiety.
Intro 3: Invite Your SO Over Near the Holiday Time But Not on the Actual Day
Pros: Not as many people around, less stress and your parents get to meet your SO on a personal level. This is more casual than meeting parents on the actual holiday.
Cons: Embarrassing stories, moments, pictures, etc. are still likely to come up. Parents may get too comfortable with your SO, and you can be guaranteed that your SO will be the prime topic at the holiday dinner and everyone will wonder why you didn’t bring him or her.
I would recommend this scenario for a serious couple that has families in different states or for couples who may not be able to spend the holiday with each other.
For more tips and information on LoNoLi log on to www.lonoli.com.
