This is my boyfriend, Daniel, running a 5K with my dad on his first trip home with me. The following are tips based on my experience, featuring quotes from Daniel himself.
When?
“I love you & stuff”
Whether your family is in Mt. Lebanon or California, take bringing a boy home seriously. Is it love? Is it almost sorta? You don’t need to give your siblings more ammo to tease you with by introducing a mediocre guy. Make this guy pass all the tests first.
Who?
“Meeting all your friends at once? It’s a trap”
So you think this boy is amazing. He passed all the tests. He’s definitely ready to meet EVERY BEST FRIEND YOU’VE HAD SINCE KINDERGARDEN. Okay, slow down. Introducing him to everyone you care about is a sweet idea, but hardly do-able in a college break or weekend. Big groups are intimidating. It’s better to do a few people at a time so they all get a chance to really meet him.
“Shake her dad’s hand, be cool. Be. Cool.”
Meeting parents is stressful for anyone. Guys tend to gravitate towards talking to your dad, assuming they have more in common or need to reassure them more. If this isn’t the case, warn them! Warn them about all your family’s tendencies before hand, so they don’t get scared off.
Not ready?
Friends at college are a great way to test the waters of a relationship before hand. They can give you important feedback without making everything too serious. You can also use it as a way to signify that you’re ready to be more serious, too. Take him on a double date with friends, or have them hang out with your best friends in a less-casual setting (Joe Mamas?). Both these send the message that you might want to be homebound sometime soon.