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Introducing my girlfriend to my parents

Started by Xgrrl, November 21, 2012, 05:16:38 AM

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Xgrrl

Hello, this is the first time I have posted something in this forum.
I recently spoke with my Mum about meeting the woman I have been dating for some 5+ months and she is keen to meet her. I am just wondering how anyone else has approached this big step.
I have not mentioned anything about her being trans as I think it is irrelevant but now that they are going to meet I am feeling a bit anxious about my folks reacting in a negative manner-something I want to spare my lover from. My big sis said don't mention it because it is no big deal and let them react however they want. My gf said if you think either of them will have a heart attack then maybe tell them beforehand but I think she was joking- made me laugh anyway... So basically I an just hoping to hear anyone else's story of how they introduced their partner to their folks.
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harrisong

Hey mate, I just introduced my girlfriend to my family just like normal, they haven't said anything, I don't think they know.
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JoanneB

Unless she is readily clockable, I wouldn't say a word. Even then, I wouldn't. My wife is basically a natural. Yet she tells me that whenever anyone knew ahead of time the story was always the same. People can find all sorts of things to point out how/why ANYONE can tell she isn't a real woman.

If one wants to be THAT brutally honest, I can find many of the same reasons applying to about every woman in your average grocery store. I never felt the urge or need to let anyone know about her past.

People see what they want to see. If you feel she passes fine then don't worry. She does and she will with your parents. If they are told, all they are going to see is "some freak" and "What the hell is the matter with you for..." and "Can't you see that ....."

One thing you must always be prepared for and to always feel absolutely sure about, is your response to any "inquiry" or even direct confrontation about her past. I have always known my wife as a woman, and have absolutely no doubt that she is. I have full faith in myself to being able to affirm that she is a woman to anyone, even if I was tied to a lie detector. The people asking WILL KNOW YOU. THerefore they will know if you are hedging your answers.

BTW - The one sure fire way to end the relationship with her is to tell ANYONE without first asking her if it is OK. Betrayal is a very difficult thing to get over. Don't assume just because she is what I call a public trans, that she'll want to be that open to people in your life. Always let her make that call.
.          (Pile Driver)  
                    |
                    |
                    ^
(ROCK) ---> ME <--- (HARD PLACE)
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ToriJo

JoanneB, you hit the nail right on the head.

I'd amplify that the original poster should ask his girlfriend what she wants.  She's probably nervous and concerned and would probably like any insight you can give into your parents.

For me, I was like JoanneB - my wife was, is, and always shall be a woman.  So I introduced her as my girlfriend or using her name.  :)

A huge part of how other people react will be based on your expectations and your confidence.  If you are strong and say things as they are, people will either simply follow your lead in their understanding or they will know enough to keep their mouth shut.  They'll know you aren't going to accept any other view.

That all said, I did this with my wife's knowledge - we talked about how she wants me to introduce her and such.  But she feels it's our business and nobody else's business whether she had an M or an F on her birth certificate as a baby.  Personally, I think she's wrong there - I don't even think it's my business, but I'm glad and honored she trusts me.
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Cindy

She is your girl friend. Introduce her as your girlfriend. Not an issue.

If your family is typical your mother won't like her because she isn't good enough for her boy and your Dad will love her because she is hot.

Cindy
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justmeinoz

Hope it goes okay. 
When it is my turn everyone will be okay except my Mum I think.  She will be torn between her child  having a girlfriend :) and her being a Lesbian like me ???.   It will be interesting.

Karen.
"Don't ask me, it was on fire when I lay down on it"
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pretty pauline

Quote from: JoanneB on November 21, 2012, 07:45:37 PM
Unless she is readily clockable, I wouldn't say a word. Even then, I wouldn't.

BTW - The one sure fire way to end the relationship with her is to tell ANYONE without first asking her if it is OK.
Very good advice from Joanne, don't make an issue of it if its not an issue.
I would accompanied my Husband to social occasions, parties and his work gatherings etc, he would always introduce me to these people as his Wife Pauline, they don't know my history and it doesn't matter, the issue doesn't arise, Im just another guy's wife, a man will greet me with a hug or a kiss, the way they greet any woman, they'd never greet a guy like that, some of the older men might kiss my hand, an old fashion gentleman thing with older men, but its nice. The women only take notice what Im wearing, my shoes, my bag, the the color of my gown, my hair and makeup, I do the same, because Im just another woman, its all very normal.
Yes just introduce your new girlfriend to your Mum, don't be anxious, it might be just very normal with nothing to worry about, lets know how it goes.
Pauline
If your going thru hell, just keep going.
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Xgrrl

Hola, it's all happening this Saturday!  :)
Mum and Dad are looking forward to meeting her and I'm soooooo excited!
I appreciate all the words of advice and insights and I do agree that introducing my lady just as I have with my past gfs is the way to go. We are having "once" (afternoon tea) and Mum is being so sweet checking with me what my gf would like.

Just a few clarifications: I'm female, my Mum won't hate her, my Dad is your typical macho Latino so he'll probably talk to her non-stop about his interests, my gf is not really "clockable" and has a deep voice but so what.

Will let you all know how it goes.

Excitement!
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Xgrrl

It went well and we stayed longer than anticipated!
We chatted, ate, laughed and joked for 5 hours!

My Mum only made one comment to me about her voice but otherwise they seemed to like her. It was lovely to just see her in my parents home happy and smiling.

Contentment!
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JoanneB

Quote from: Xgrrl on December 05, 2012, 01:50:42 PM
My Mum only made one comment to me about her voice but otherwise they seemed to like her. It was lovely to just see her in my parents home happy and smiling.
Back in the day, a deeper voice could always be blamed on a 2 pack a day habbit  :P
.          (Pile Driver)  
                    |
                    |
                    ^
(ROCK) ---> ME <--- (HARD PLACE)
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Xgrrl

JoanneB: well she has never been a smoker... Besides I would never date a smoker again

Just an update, I got a call from my Mum the other day and she came straight out and asked me about my gfs gender history. I didn't really answer her as I think I should ask my gf's permission first. Regardless Mum said it made no difference and we are expected for lunch on Christmas Day. :-)

Am so happy that my family accepts us regardless.
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spacial

You know Xgrrl, your latest post was really good to read.

Thank you for keeping everyone informed.

But you do know, now you gonna have to keep us all updated as things happen? :)
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Xgrrl

Wow, feeling like my heart has left my body right now.

Christmas lunch did go well with my family. They accepted G into their lives, my Mum made something special just for her as she is vegetarian. My Mum got her a little Christmas gift and many photos were taken of us with our silly Christmas hats. Now my Mum and Dad both ask after her when I call. Their acceptance has touched my heart.

I am bewildered. Today G left me because she is in love with her best friend - a woman who only recently displayed a clearly transphobic attitude towards her in a restaurant. I witnessed the pain and anguish that G went through when faced with the reality of her friend's transphobia. I picked up the pieces and urged her to sort out their issues, to give her a chance to explain herself. They talked and it was partially resolved. I saw G happier as she had her friend back... Her friend is on trial and G hopes she doesn't get let down again. And yet she loves her. I am bewildered.
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spacial

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Xgrrl

Well... I have been hiding under a rock for a while... needed to feel sorry for myself and examine how I could have got it all so wrong.....then I surfaced, much to the relief of my friends, and started socialising again...

My ex did what she had to do in order to find her own happiness and I am glad she thinks she deserves happiness.
As for me... well life has so many surprises for us...without planning it I reconnected with a lovely girl I met last year... we spent every weekend hanging out together since we met up again...life is funny sometimes...



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spacial

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Wild Flower

"Anyone who believes what a cat tells him deserves all he gets."
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