See, he's usually the only man at family functions. We are a sea of cackling women on the holidays, so whenever I bring a new man over to the house, he gets a little too attached to his new playmate/ally.
And when things go south with my new date, my sister's husband is left once again to shoot pool, throw darts and play Guitar Hero by himself in the basement.
Apparently he's had enough. He recently turned to me and said, "You know what? I don't want to meet any of your boyfriends anymore, unless he's 'The One.'" To which I answered, "OK... oh, and if you happen meet him, can you send him my way -- cheers."
But I digress.
It gave me pause for thought: Am I going public with my boyfriends too soon? I'm sick of introducing guys to friends, family and colleagues only to have the relationship implode or fizzle out a month later.
Then, the next time I run into said friends, family and colleagues, I have to explain, "No, no I'm not with him anymore. Things didn't really work out. No, not seeing anyone else. Just taking some time me time." It's like reliving the breakup over and over again. I hate it.
Lori Yusishen, BHEc, MMFT -- a Winnipeg-based registered counselor and relationship expert -- says I'm not alone on that one. It sucks for a lot of people. That's why before going public with your new date, she suggests you consider the following five tips:
Check Your Motives
Before bringing that someone special out to meet anyone, ask yourself what's motivating this introduction. Are you seeking approval from loved ones? Are you dodging the family function inquisition that usually starts off with the always welcome, "When are you going to find someone nice and settle down?" Or do you want to bring this person out because he/she is genuinely special to you and you want the most important people in your life to meet him/her. If it's the latter, then congratulations you big pile of love – you finally found someone! Now proceed to step two.
Figure out Titles
There's nothing more insulting than introducing the person you've spent the last three weeks in bed with as your "friend." Then there's the awesomely awkward introduction that includes a long pause before just dropping their name with a heavy thud. "Everyone, this is.... Bob." Clunk.
Point being, you should figure out how you want to introduce someone, even if means having the dreaded "where do we stand" talk. Granted, no one wants to have to ask their lover, "So like are you my 'boyfriend' or 'booty call?' Just need to know how to introduce you to my boss at the office party." But as Yusishen warns, if you're not ready to have the "talk," then you're probably not ready to go public with your new relationship.