How do you know when to introduce a new partner to your family?

Question

Lliam · Accepted Answer

I guess it was when a girl and I were going steady in an exclusive relationship. But that often happened as soon as we started dating.

When I was young, I always brought my girlfriends to my house or to family gatherings. It didn't mean anything special. She was just my girlfriend. Nobody ever acted weird.

I would often pick my girlfriends up at their house and come in to meet their parents. Sometimes I went on outings with my girlfriends and their families.
Again, nobody ever sized me up, asked if I was serious about their daughter, or wondered when we were going to get engaged or anything.
My girlfriends were independent enough to make their own decisions and I guess their parents trusted their judgement.

When I was living on my own, I would still bring my girlfriends with me when I visited my parents or when we all went out to dinner for some holiday, and sometimes when we went on an outing. Those girlfriend's parents didn't live nearby but I still met them at some point. But it didn't mean anything more than we were going together. It wasn't a major step to getting married or anything.

I don't know why people attach such significance to "meeting the parents".

I will say that once my wife and I got serious, I flew back to Cincinnati to meet her parents and family. I liked them and they liked me. But we got engaged without asking for their blessing or anything.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Accepted Answer

I do not really introduce my lovers to my family , as I find this tradition awkward, boring plus it gives me vibes of social injunction. If she really really wanted it, well, okay. But no one  really wanted it , as far as I remember. It's always been a sort of worthless tradition to bend the knee to, so if I can spare me this moment, I'll do it. If my parents would be more psychologically literate, I'd probably have another viewpoint. But they're not, and it's too late for them to become literate. My daughter on the other hand, she's much more intelligent, introducing my girl to her would mean something to me. Yet it's still not a mandatory process in the way I'm doing things here. I know when, because  I know when, I feel it.

DishLady · Accepted Answer

Depends on what you want from your family.

As a schoolgirl I’d introduce every guy to my family when I was younger as a litmus test to our friendship. If you got on well with them then you could be in my circle. If your were chicken shit then you would certainly not have staying power to be with me, so I wouldn’t waste my time or breath.

As an adult I only brought up the idea of a guy sporadically to see their reaction… hear what they think… then determine whether the guy was worthy.

Now that most of them have passed on I have one or two friends I selectively ask for their earnest opinion… and as you see, I mess with some particular questions on gag if it’s some theory I’m testing to determine the current norm/trend of thought.

hannamontana · Accepted Answer

You usually know it’s time to introduce a new partner to your family when the relationship feels serious and stable. When you both are committed and see a future together, it’s a good sign. Also, if you want your family to get to know them and be part of your life, that’s a key moment. But it’s okay to wait until you feel comfortable and ready too.

Love Doctor Brad · Accepted Answer

Helping folks navigate relationship dynamics is my jam, so here we go! Timing is everything, darling. Wait until you feel comfortable and confident in your relationship—it’s not a race! Introducing a partner to your family often means things are getting serious. Make sure you're both on the same page about where things are headed. Discuss it with your partner to see how they feel about this step too. When you’re both ready, it’ll feel as natural as your favorite Sunday brunch. 🥞❤️

OlderAndWiser · Answer

1. I know her well enough to believe that she will be part of my life indefinitely into the future, and

2. She knows me well enough to not run when she meets my family. I am so different from my family that I have warned girls, "After you meet me family, and we are walking away from them, you are going to ask me in a whisper, 'You were adopted. . . weren't you?'"

Anonymous · Answer

I didn’t introduce my girl to my family for about a year. A year seems like a long time but it really isn’t. Maybe about 4-6 months of dating, sometimes you’re both busy so it may take a little longer to actually go out on a number of dates. Then by then by then I’d say staying over at each other’s place, maybe weekends, going on little trips. Bu then id say it’s about a year. Maybe a little less the. A year, maybe 8-10 months. But some relationships bloom quicker than others. She actually met my son about the same time, he was a year old. Son’s mom was a flake, wanted to live her best life so I got him. But I didn’t want him to become attached to her then we end up breaking up.

Screenwriter · Answer

You've been dating them for some time: a few months. They've met your friends, who appear to like them. You've seen them tired, angry, annoyed, happy, giggly, sleepy: at what appears to be their worst and their best.

You believe they're fun and reasonable and you want to hear what your family thinks.

MemeSupreme · Answer

after a month they're probably going to meet my grandma even just for a second bc i live with her

i'll let him meet anyone else when it feels right. they're a handful, so i dont wanna hear comments or scare him right away if idkk how compatible we are yet lol

Tarifa · Answer

You'll know. It just feels right.

There's a time when you want to introduce him to your family. There's a time when you want to move in together. There will be a time when you want to start your own family, provided your partner is the right one.

Go with the flow. No need to overthink it.

beenherebefore · Answer

When you plan to get married and have the same goals for the future. Personally I’m against introducing someone to my parents if I have no intention to marry them or if we are not yet at that stage. In 34 years my parents only met one Partner which is my current one and I’m happy I didn’t have to introduce them to three different guys over the years.

Crimsyjo · Answer

Ha from now on? Probably never lol. It's never gone that well but then I have a toxic narcissistic mother.

Babygirl_S · Answer

I would never do that because I usually like those dudes who are compatible with me. Maybe other nationalities even. My parents usually say something bad about them. I would avoid that drama and never even tell them. For example, they aren’t even likely to accept a friend I have overseas let alone a boyfriend. Close-minded people don’t change.

DJB72 · Answer

Since my mum has dementia I'd just be concerned about my son. Since his mum died I'd probably do it sooner rather than wait. I'd need to be sure they get on and she'd be a good fit as a mother-figure for him

MannMitAntworten · Answer

My last girlfriend shall forever remain the last woman to meet my parents. I suddenly lost both less than a year apart shortly after.

alice55 · Answer

Depend who I guess my mother she know even about my crush so she would know instantly for the other I would say when it become serious (so they don't think I'm unstable).

Nikki1989 · Answer

When it feels right.  If you're feeling pressured, anxious, or hesitant, it might be too soon. Trust your gut feeling.

sage2021 · Answer

After he has taken you around his friends for a while and they still approve. A few months.

RavVid · Answer

When you are fairly bonded and know for sure she isn't embarrassing and won't.

Shiprex · Answer

When you are confident they will all get on with each other

Anonymous · Answer

I never actually had that problem, cause I was never in a relationship :P :/ :(

Phoenix98 · Answer

It's just kinda a whatever and whenever sort of thing

MikeTheBartender · Answer

At least 6 months, if you think it's gonna make a year, go ahead for the intro.

clampfan101 · Answer

The sooner the better. I want to start as friends, and need her to easily get along with my very kind parents.

AydenHazor · Answer

That's a good question, not having the healthiest relationship with my family I would tell my partner about them and let them decide when there ready

Bloodparadise · Answer

Me and my bestie choose who to invite to our place very carefully.. If we like the guy, then he would be basically our family

Wiredone · Answer

I didn't introduce her until we were dating for 6 months.

Staximus · Answer

When you think they're going to be around for a while

dragoblack · Answer

You feel comfortable with them and you see a stable future with them

CubaPirate · Answer

When you're BOTH comfortable with it

exitseven · Answer

I Waite until i just could not avoid it any longer

WonderingManII · Answer

Good question. I don't know.

Sam1133 · Answer

My family introduce girls to me 🤣

Asgard356 · Answer

Fuck the haters, just do it whenever

an_nMary · Answer

When love speaks into your heart ❤️

qwerty2469 · Answer

Never

How do you know when to introduce a new partner to your family?

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How do you know when to introduce a new partner to your family?

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