Dating no longer follows the traditional formula. Older people get married for the first time. Some people
remarry after a divorce. Others live together before deciding if they want to get married. Almost no one thinks it’s a must to ask the girl’s parents for permission to marry her.
Yet, there is still a tradition no couple can avoid. They must meet each other’s parents.
Why you should meet the parents
Meeting the parents of someone you are dating is important for one reason. They could end up being related to you.
There is a saying that when you marry, you aren’t just marrying the person. You are marrying the entire family. It’s important to find out if it’s a family you want to be a part of or at least be willing to navigate out of love for your spouse.
Meeting your date’s parents also gives you some insight into how your dating partner thinks. After all, they raised them so some of their ideas, thoughts, and beliefs are going to rub off.
The timeline for meeting the parents
The general guideline for meeting parents is typically about three months after you start dating but it depends on the culture you were raised in, your age, where you are living, how the relationship is moving along, and how comfortable your romantic partner feels about meeting your parents.
How to approach it with your partner
The discussion should start with each talking about their families, how they grew up, and end with how much you would like to share that with them during a visit. Tell your partner there is no pressure but to think about it. Also, tell them it is up to them if or when you meet their family but that you are open to it.
Conclusion
Meeting the parents of the person you’re dating is a big deal even if you’re older. They are important people to you and you want your partner to love them too. You also want your parents to see your partner as you do. The best way to accomplish that is to let it happen naturally. Open the door to the meeting but don’t force it.
