Big Sister Guides: Bringing Him Home for the Holdiays

Introducing the Debut Release in the Big Sister Guides Series!

"Your Big Sister's Guide to Surviving College" (Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, Inc.) is an insightful map to help girls navigate the journey through life as a college student. told in a "big sister to little sister" manner.
About ten years ago, I wrote a freshman year college survival guide for my little sister that I presented to her when she moved into her dorm room for the first time. This amateur, Kinko's produced spiral bound book contained advice on every aspect and scenario of what a young girl can expect in college and how to handle herself. My material was largely based on the experiences and sometimes the mistakes made by me and my friends. I recently resurrected the piece to bring it to all college-bound young ladies.
I remember what i t was like having to learn the ‘hard way’ about life on campus and life in general. For many girls, going away to college is literally a crash course on becoming a woman and being completely responsible for yourself. My goal is to ‘soften the blow’ a bit and help young ladies learn life’s lessons armed with common sense and a little big sister wisdom.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Bringing Him Home for the Holdiays

The holidays are upon us… and I know you are planning your trip home to be with your families. You may be, in fact, planning to come home with a traveling partner in the form of a new significant other. So that the experience is pleasant for all, here's my two cents worth...
I'm sure your family is aware that you are dating and you may have already mention your current love interest to them but bringing someone home is a major. Ask yourself these questions: How long have you been dating? How long have you been dating before you told your family about him? Have you both discussed the seriousness of your relationship? Bringing someone home, especially for the holidays (or some other significant event like a wedding) it sends a signal to the guy... and your family about what he means to you. I suggest be sure to evaluate the depth of your dating. It's a good idea to wait until there is some substance to your relationship before you invite him along. Think about this… If you bring Tom home for Thanksgiving... and Bill home for Christmas, well…that's just not good. Imagine the impression you are potentially giving your family! Meeting the parents is a big step for everyone involved.
You and your boyfriend should be mutually ready… and confident in the stability of your relationship. Not only that, it helps to give each other a crash course on what to expect from your families in terms of culture, traditions, general attitudes, etc. Lastly, never spring your love interest on your family. Give them a heads up so they can prepare (and be on their best behavior) for your guest. Discuss sleeping arrangements beforehand so there are no embarrassing or awkward moments in front of everyone.