Anxious, ghost white and filled with all the doom scenarios in my head. That is the best way I sort of can describe how I felt when Fleur came with the idea to meet her parents. True meeting family is always nerve wrecking but to top it off, they also got a different language they can speak without me understanding a thing.

the past

Based on my past relationships I actually only saw one of the parents from one of my exes. It lowkey always felt like they were making sure I wouldn’t see them for some reason. So when Fleur said she wanted me to see her parents, I felt honored but yet scared as hell. I wanted to impress which is normal but when you see yourself as average, while Fleur really is one special person? You can imagine I felt this odd feeling in my tummy called fear. What if her parents are like in the movies? Questioning me like I’m some sort of thief that stole the heart of her precious daughter? Or gossipy sisters? Or what about those awkward silences?

the plan

I made this plan, a plan to get some chocolate from Belgium and making sure I looked okay clothes wise (not gonna lie I do love sweaters and oversized especially at work). Fleur and I also had this secret safe word for when I really couldn’t handle it anymore. She really was so protectful and knew I was super anxious about the whole plan.

With everything ready, the bus trip to her parents started and the gap was closing in.

the moment

And then I stood in front of her parents door……

I thought I would have a second to breathe and calm down but no…. Her parents directly came outside and welcomed me. A small spoiler but a thing I noticed with her family is how they instantly drag you in this whole being in their bubble thing.
In Belgium we are more on guard and have borders when it comes to seeing someone for the first time.

A direct warmth came and I suddenly felt less stressful and was more at ease. Her parents truly are gems. While the father was asking the questions, her mother was full focused on making sure I felt okay. Her sister was also there and I got to admit I was shocked what a strong person she is. Kindful asking questions and I think I got her sisterly approval.

Tsohorayim /Lunch ?

Fleur is from a Jewish family and background, so I knew that some customs were different than mine. Another obvious thing I did notice is how “a little snack” in Jewish terms (I think or simply in her family term) means “prepare yourself for a buffet of food where you won’t be hungry for the rest of the day. I got to admit this is still a thing for me I need to get used to, especially you feel so small and grateful for being accepted and you simply don’t want to bother anyone. As the afternoon progressed , the evening came and another experience occurred

Ha’achot ha’shniah / the second sister

After finding some calmed and really enjoying the hospitality of her parents and sister, I thought it would be over. Nope, the whole family network is a strong thing and suddenly we were invited to meet the other sister and the nieces of Fleur. My heart went from okay to pure chaos.

Will they like me? What is their nieces don’t understand my flemish? With a nervous heart we went to the home of her second sister.

After the small drive to the second sister her place, we were welcomed by her and her super kind husband. Another member of the family came who took my heart instantly … yes the dog really grabbed my attention, which is something super common with me.

We walked in and the nieces were all there, we played a bit on the switch, talked a bit and then we went home.

Overall I can say the experience was truly less scary as I thought it would be. It does show that your mind can sometimes let you think the worst would happen, but it does not mean that would happen.