Lifestyle: 7 clear signs it’s time to introduce your partner to your parents

Whether you’re meeting your partner’s parents or your partner meeting yours, timing is of the essence! These signs will tell you if you’re ready.

Do not introduce your girlfriend or boyfriend to your parents just for the sake of doing so. 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.

I have a friend who has very traditional and conservative parents. They have made it very clear that they are only interested in meeting their kids’ partners only once they have decided that they want to marry them. Some parents are just that way and you cannot fault them for being so set in their traditional ways. If you have parents like these, then just play ball with them and only introduce your partner to them when things are very serious.

7 signs it’s time to meet the parents

In my case, I met my fiancé’s parents at his brother’s birthday party. As wonderful as the meeting was, it was probably not the best idea for us to meet at such a huge and lively event. We were not able to talk very much as there were too many relatives and friends stopping by to say hello.

My advice is to plan something more intimate so that everyone has the chance to properly get to know one another, but of course, that is your prerogative. In any case, here are 7 signs that it is probably time to meet the folks.

#1 You are mutually exclusive. You 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. [Read: 16 signs you’re not ready to be exclusive]

#2 Your partner has met your friends. If 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 you partner passes with flying colors, then think about amping it up a notch and introducing him or her to your parents.

#3 Your partner has met your other family members. Whether 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. And if your family is anything at all like mine, they will talk a lot. 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.

#4 You talk about the future. Once you start thinking in terms of “us” instead of “me” then you know that the timing is right. 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.

#5 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 not to push him or her if they are not ready.

#6 You are proud of your partner. It 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.

#7 Everyone is ready. I suppose if you cannot figure out when the “right time” is, then just take it easy and only set up a meeting 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.

Meeting the parents for the first time is a huge step whether you think so or not. You will be surprised at how many relationships go awry just because the initial meeting with immediate family members did not go as planned.

As much as you love your partner, what your family thinks also carries weight, especially if you are close to them. Never underestimate a parent’s intuition when determining if their child is with the right person. Parents have a bizarre sixth sense when it comes to stuff like that, so take you time and do not rush it. You will know when the time is right.

With these clear signs for checking if you’re ready to introduce each other to your respective families, you can find the right time to make the proper introductions. Now all you need to worry about is making a great first impression on them!