Are you a serial dater? Do you have an urgent need to introduce your most recent conquest to your friends right away, almost as if to say “look everyone I have a boyfriend/girlfriend, I am not a loser….see…..see!” Ok first point, apply breaks gently and slow down. One step at a time otherwise you could be careering towards a deep chasm of embarrassment around the next corner.
Is it time for introductions?
Let’s just establish some parameters that make sense:
- Have you been on at least three or four dates together?
- Have your friends already met a slew of potential partners and are a bit worn out with saying nice things and smiling until their faces ache?
It may well be time to introduce your new love to your family and friends. But not before you check my top tips to avoid possible sabotage from your crew.
1. How much do I like you?
Everyone seeks approval, but it’s so important that you really like each other a lot before you start asking other opinions. You need to be invested in each other by now and at the stage where you are eager to put friends’ names to faces.
2. Keep it cool.
If you are going to start that introduction to close friends or family, then make it light, make it casual, and make it easy.
3. Me, myself & I.
Do also plan to go as ‘yourself’ to this group date, and not suddenly become a hysterical and slightly insane individual in your desperate need to appear cool, calm and collected. Your friends and family will sniff out a weird version of you in seconds and that automatically invites suspicion.
4. Brief the friends.
Equally important is to brief your entourage not to use this social occasion as an interrogation chamber that leaves your new beau invaded, drained and uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to leave him or her with some of your friends while you are mingling with others.
4. Goodbye inner demons.
For your own sanity (and those of your loved ones) be as close to the real you as you possibly can – that’s who you’re going to be tomorrow, next week and next year, so leave any insecurity at the door where it belongs!Has your accent suddenly changed? Are you flicking your hair dementedly every few seconds? Keep calm and listen to your inner voice. It’s the one telling you there is nothing to prove, nothing to be afraid of, and to relax!
And finally, remember, your opinion is all that really matters.
Loyal friends and family will love you, support you and embrace whoever you choose to love, and if they don’t – prove them wrong with your love for each other.
