The key to my mom’s heart?
A guest who brings a bottle of wine, smiles graciously and eats heartily, and makes her daughter happy.
The key to my dad’s heart?
Someone who indulges him with a round of billiards, gets to know him over drinks and cigarettes, and treats his only daughter well.
The key to my heart?
A boyfriend who doesn’t flinch when I ask him to attend a Thanksgiving dinner with 13 aunts, uncles, cousins, and a brother; someone who repeatedly tells me I look beautiful throughout the day; and a kind soul who laughs and drinks alongside my brother and cousins at the kiddie table (we still call it that even though we are all in our late 20s-early 30s).
When I asked him to attend, I didn’t think he’d say yes. I expected him to say it was too soon to meet the family but the question barely fazed him. Instantly, I turned into a ball of nerves.
What if my aunt gets sauced and starts talking inappropriately about matzo balls again? Or my crazy German mother starts dancing the hula in the kitchen? Or my uncle ribs him about being a vegan?
And so I did what came naturally on turkey day. I refilled my wine glass repeatedly, paced around nervously, and briefed my family anxiously. In the end, all that worry was all for naught. He made a wonderful impression on the family and, most importantly, he provided a calming presence on a day ordinarily reserved for stress and worry.
Today my readership increases by one more pair of eyes. And these eyes make me nervous, because this is a first in my blogging career. I have never had a boyfriend read my blog before but I finally felt ready to open up and share this with him. Introducing him to the family was a huge step, but in some ways this is even more daunting. Even still, I think it’s only fair that I show him something that clearly means so much to me. He has read my writing before and knew about my blog before we had even met (I asked his approval on the post smitten before I hit publish), but this is still nerve-wracking. It is because of his constant support, understanding, and patience that I finally feel ready.
Please join me in welcoming my sweet, loving boyfriend to my little corner of the blogosphere. (He will get a name; I just haven’t picked it out yet).
And I hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving. XOXO
Oh, I have chills.
This? Just made my day.
{Also? I need a name, and a photo. Just saying.’
}
xo
Aw, YAY!
So sweet, girl!
Oh this totally made my morning. It is always so nice when a new beau just fits in so well with the family. I am so happy for you sweetie. Welcome to the blog beau!
Tee hee! Hoooooray!!! So glad you enjoyed your holiday and that he’s now got access to your amazing blog. Just one more thing in the very long list for him to be proud of you and smitten over.
Aww, that’s so sweet, I’m so glad you’ve found someone who gets on with your family (and your blog!). Hello Mystery Man, if you’re reading the comments *waves*
Also, what Galit said – we need a photo!
I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving xx
Welcome to your new reader!! New readers rock – especially awesome ones who make you feel special all day long and put mom and dads’ minds at ease
I knew Paris would be good for you!!!! I’m so happy you had a plus one for Thanksgiving!
What a lovely post! I’m so happy for you! Welcome to your boyfriend.
So sweet. Welcome to the b-friend. If your family loves him, I know I will too.
this is awesome! no one deserves this more than you. i’m so glad you’ve found someone so amazing for you…and it’s always a plus to make the parents happy.
love you!!
I didn’t realize you decided on the Thanksgiving invite! I’m so happy you did! You’re also very brave to open up your blog. He must be a keeper
Oh, Charlotte, I’m so happy for you! It sounds like the day was absolutely perfect.
Well first and foremost I’d like to thank my Mooie Vriendin who has opened her heart allowing me to see how truly beautiful she is. And though this was known before she provided me with her URL, the steps made really show me how much she cares about me (“kinda” = inside joke). Secondly, I’d like to thank you all for supporting Char. You “guys” truly mean the world to her and are great to see a community who support one another. And if we haven’t figured it out yet, this is Charlotte’s boyfriend. I’ll be leaving the idea of posting my name and pictures up to my mooi. I’m okay either way in whatever she decides to release.
So I’ve already gone through and read her entire blog…. I’m thinking I’ll read it one more time just in case she decided to quiz me. Thank you for supporting Char. It really does mean A LOT!
So sweet!
It sounds like your Thanksgiving was just wonderful with another reason to trust boyfriend! I’m so happy he came and that it went well. And I’m so happy you feel comfortable enough to open yourself up in this format to him. Only good things shall come my dear! xox
Charlotte I am all but jumping up and down for you! This makes me so crazily happy for you. You deserve a good guy and this guy sounds amazing!
Wow! So exciting!! Happy to hear your had such a wonderful Thanksgiving together!
Congratulations on your newest reader
Very happy and excited for you!
Welcome to the blog, boyfriend! You sound lovely
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Welcome to Chars world, Prince Charming! We are fiercely protective of her but it looks like she has found her very own knight in shining armor!
Love this post. smiling.
Glad to hear things are going well.
Plus One/Pending Name you seem like a good man and that is no less than what she deserves. You are one lucky guy! And thank you for making her so happy….of course with that said I also have to say if you ever hurt her it will not be pretty for you. I’ve never met Charlotte in person but have come to view her as a great friend and therefore feel the need to protetct and look out for her. However, I don’t think any of us will have to be worrying about hiring a hitman just yet…as stated you seem like a good man
Congratulations Charlotte it warms my heart to see you in such a happy, wonderful place!
Oh congrats! Congrats on meeting someone wonderful enough to meet the family AND the bloggers!
Everything about this post makes me happy. I’m thrilled for you that you guys are taking these steps. It’s so nice to see you happy!
This is the best post I have read all day. So happy to see you happy. And? You totally need to have a naming contest for the new beau.
WELCOME friend! I wish we could have a drink and cigarette together so I could tell you happy I am to meet you. Oh, and to threaten you that Charlotte means a lot to me and you’d better continue to treat her like the gold she is.
Ahhhhh!!! I can’t quit grinning!!!!! Hello Mister NoName! You are SO welcomed to our great community spearheaded by the coolest lady on the web! Treat Charlotte well, we love the heck out of her! Way to go Charlotte… stepping out of your comfort zone. You know that we are all with you.
I’m so happy now!!!! Think I’ll light up another smoke and prepare to get creative tonite myself. <3
I’m smiling from ear to ear. That’s a huge step. I hope that lovely boyfriend of yours is telling you how awesomely talented you are right now.
Charlotte! You’re obviously happy, girl and it’s catching.
Mr. Pending Name seems cool and so proud of you. Go and have wonderful adventures, quiet walks and fun times together.
Dear boyfriend of this girl that I LOVES so dang much:
I know I don’t have to tell you that you just won the lottery, right?
Good.
Then we’re understood.
xo
What can I say aside from my Mooi being the best thing that has ever walked into my life….. And I plan on never hurting her so no worries…. As long as I’m able to see that beautiful smile, then I’ll be one happy beau! And though I don’t know any of you, you make her extremely happy so I thank you for filling in the blanks when I’m not able to.
Charlotte truly means a lot to me and after reading her entire blog and all of the comments; I completely understand why so many are protective of her. I can’t guarantee anything, but what I can say is that we both have strong feelings for one another and has grown into something neither of us expected. Who would have thought after a “Vegan and Vegetarian walk into a steak house”, that I would experience feelings I’ve never felt before…
Sylvia Plath said it best: “Kiss me and you will see how important I am”. And I truly realize how important my Mooi is!
Ahhhhhhhh, Char!!! SQUEEEE! This is just all kinds of wonderful, and then some! And (Still) Pending Name, you sound like you definitely rock the casbah…we’re all rapt for you two! Enjoy everything you’re both feeling and experiencing, and revel in it!
(Also, sounds like this was Best!Thanksgiving!Ever!, eh? I love that it went so well in all respects.
)
Aaaaaand he quotes Sylvia Plath. I’m now officially also in love with him. LOL!