When a straight couple or a young gay couple start becoming serious generally one of the first big milestones in the relationship is meeting your partner’s parents. For age disparate or older gay couples however, this isn’t necessarily the case. Instead it is just as likely that it will be your partner’s children you’re meeting. But, you’ll still be concerned with the same issues of being accepted; you want to make a good impression.
For me that milestone is fast approaching. Next week some of my partner’s family is coming to visit. One of his sons and two grandkids will be visiting for about a week. This will be the first time I have met any of his family in person.
Understandably I am a little nervous, but I’m pretty excited as well. I have talked to John’s son on the phone a few times, but I’ve never had a long conversation. I look forward to getting to know him better; he’s done a lot of interesting things, he works in a unique profession, and most significantly he is an important part of my partner’s life.
I am also looking forward to him getting to know me better. He has never been hostile toward me, but I know he is skeptical of my relationship with his father. I take it as a good sign that he is willing to come visit and that he would bring his kids too.
I’ve been thinking about the topic of family in relation to gay intergenerational relationships quite a bit lately. I’m sure next week’s visit will illuminate the subject some more. Also, I’d be interested to hear about the experiences of others in a similar situation. Do you have a story to share? Do you have any advice on meeting family for the first time?
