How To Tell Your Partner Is Ready To Meet Your Parents, According To An Expert

Deciding on the perfect time to introduce your new significant other to your parents is a big decision. If you've found yourself wondering "When should my partner meet my parents?" the "right" time might be further away then you think.

Dating expert and founder of Relationship Advice Forum, April Masini, recommends holding off on introducing a partner to your parents for anywhere between six months to a year.

"Anytime before that is too soon because the relationship is not clear. After six months of dating, you’ll know someone better and they’ll know you better — to the extent that you can both decide by then, if you want to be monogamous and committed to each other," explains Masini.

According to Masini, the first three months should ideally be reserved for really getting to know each other, while the next couple months are a good time to start evaluating if you are serious enough about them to bring your family into the picture. This way, if things end up burning out quickly, the last thing you'll have to worry about is telling your parents that things didn't work out with the person they just met and might have really clicked with — which can also be super sad and disappointing for them, too, once they've gotten their hopes up and seen you so happy.

But of course, every couple is different, so if you'd rather feel things out than have a timeline, there are some signs that you're ready to take the next step.

They’ve Introduced You To Their Friends

Friends aren't so far off from family. According to Masini, if someone has taken the time to introduce you to their friends as their boyfriend/girlfriend, then this could definitely be a sign that they are ready to meet your parents soon.

"It’s because [they are] proud of you and of [their] relationship with you, and want to show you off and show off the fact that you’re together. When this doesn’t happen, it’s often because your partner is playing the field, or not interested in a commitment," says Masini.

They Act Like They Are In A Committed Relationship

If someone is really ready to meet the people who made you, then they are definitely going to be acting like you are in a committed relationship.

So what behaviors signal a commitment of this magnitude, you ask? Things like regularly socializing with other couples, making mutual purchases, and taking vacations together can all be indicators that they are ready, explains Masini.

Once your relationship has reached this point, then they should be making themselves readily available and eager to spend big holidays together.

"If you’re still doing the holidays separately, pause on meeting the parents — but if you’re doing holidays together, it’s time," says Masini.

They’ve Introduced You To Their Parents

This should be a dead giveaway that it's time for you to bite the bullet and make the big introduction. "One of the clues you can use to find out how they feel about you is whether or not they’ve introduced you to their parents. If they have, it’s because they feel strongly about the relationship and want their parents’ input and approval," Masini says.

Still not sure if your partner is ready to meet your parents? Then Masini says to trust your gut: "If you feel that bringing up meeting the parents is going to pressure your partner, then don’t. Wait for your partner to make the move first, and then, after that meeting happens, it will seem natural to bring up a meeting with yours."

Officially meeting someone's family — particularly their parents — is a pretty big step in any relationship. Although there may not be a "perfect time," ensuring that they are fully committed to you is a good way to avoid jumping the gun.

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