My boyfriend wants both of our families to meet. What do I do?

[Anonymous]

This is my first relationship and I don't want to mess it up. We have been dating for eight months and now my boyfriend wants our families to meet. What should I do? Both families are not formal. Each family has someone that doesn't like social interaction. I'm so stressed out. Help!

[SueShe]

Your relation seems to be steady since it has lasted 8 months and you seem to feel confident in your relation and your partner.

Also, it is not something like meeting a total stranger since I suppose that you have introduced him to your family before. I personally believe it is a good thing that both families meet and to take the stress out of the one or the other family, why don't you just meet on neutral ground, perhaps in a park for a picnic. This way, those that are not secure in society have the option to stay away and don't feel obliged to attend if the meeting takes place at one or the other's home.

[HANAZAWA]

Perhaps communicate your concerns with him, share your thoughts, hear him out and work from there.

[ecfresh]

Especially since there is someone who doesn’t like social interaction on both sides I would recommend a phased approach. Have each set of parents met? If not plan a dinner and give them time to get to know each other. Then slowly plan events to add more family members on each side around birthdays or holidays. That way it’s not a total shock and the members who know each other can help introduce and carry on conversations with the new ones.

[Jean-Marie_Céline]

Eventually you'll have to make them meet if you want your relationship to go on.
Be relaxed, set up a friendly/relaxed environment, maybe "prep" your respective families a little beforehand.

[Taylor_C]

I can't see a need for the families to meet at all. Introduce them to each other at the wedding reception.

[jeemm]

I don't think it's something to avoid.