Oct. 13, 2004 Dear Annie,
I met a guy at college I want to bring home to meet my family. We've been talking about Thanksgiving, but I'm afraid to have him see them in one big group, especially eating. There will be disgraceful table manners, and body noises. He's so nice, and always respectful of others, the exact opposite of my brothers. I'm afraid my family will scare him off.
Central Sophomore
Dear Sophomore,
Your family will not disappoint you, and by that, I mean, if sloppy table manners and "body noises" are the norm at your gatherings, you are correct in expecting them. The fact that your boyfriend is "always respectful of others" speaks well for him. I doubt if such a person would see you, someone he obviously cares for, differently because of the rude behavior of others. Talk to the guy. Warn him. If you are close enough for him to be coming home with you to meet the family, surely you can be frank enough with him to warn him about what lies ahead. As for your brothers, nothing might delight them more than embarrassing their sister in front of her beau, so tread lightly. Don't help them by letting them see how nervous you are about their behavior! Maybe your family will surprise you, in a good way.
Annie
Please write to: Annie, P.O. Box 1084, Eatonville,WA 98328
E-mail: letters_annie@hotmail.com
Past Ask Annies:
Oct. 13, 2004 Bringing New Beau Home to Rude Family
Oct. 6, 2004 Recipe a guy can make: Cinnamon Rolls
Sept. 29, 2004 Stop complaining and appreciate what we have.
Sept. 22, 2004 It's the long-married who need the household gifts.
Sept. 15, 2004 How Do I Be The Bride's Maid?
Sept. 8, 2004 Political Signs in Morton Jubilee Parade
Aug. 11, 2004 Adjusting to the loss of loved ones and appreciating the family we have.
Aug. 4, 2004 Mom Was Right About The Guy & Reply to a Critic Of Proud To Be An American
July 28, 2004 Go See and Enjoy Your Family
July 21, 2004 Readers Suggest Solutions to Doting Wife
July 14, 2004 Wife Dotes on Husband After Retirement
July 7, 2004 Canadians Think Americans Are Too Proud
June 30, 2004 Annie Column "Trivial?" plus More Supporting Parents
June 23, 2004 Repeat: Packwood Flea Marts
June 16, 2004 Doesn't Want to Marry Older Guy
June 9, 2004 Rented to Friend's Kids
June 2, 2004 Daughter Reluctant to Help Brother Support Parents
May 5, 2004 Strife While Building a House
Apr. 28, 2004 Blessings in a Physically Challenged Child Hunting Easter Eggs
Apr. 21, 2004 Pushy people who keep telling us, "You should..."
Apr. 14, 2004 Abusive Dad, Discourteous Telephoning
Apr. 7, 2004 Guilty About Inadequately Reciprocating to Wonderful Giving Friend
Mar. 31, 2004 Kids Selling Cookies
Mar. 24, 2004 Big Girl Wants to Avoid Brother's Fancy Wedding
Mar. 17, 2004 New Manager Getting Gifts from Subordinate?
Mar. 10, 2004 Loaned Money to Roommate
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Oct. 15, 2003 Misunderstanding about School Workers' Kindness
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Aug. 13, 2003 Attractiveness Hints
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