The holidays are meant to be a special time of the year. The weather brings us inside more often, bundled up with a blanket and a cherished pet, loved one or book. Lighted houses and trees put a twinkle in the eyes of children and memories of those who are older. Gaining a few extra pounds, or a “winter layer”, as I like to call it is more widely accepted.
But for those who are bringing home a new boyfriend or girlfriend to meet the family for the first time, the holidays can be a whole new reason for a Xanax prescription. Gay or straight, introducing that new guy or gal can be as nerve-wracking as sky diving with a brand new instructor. Unless June Cleaver is your mom, that first encounter might call for several shots of vodka afterward, especially if this is your first time since coming out of the closet.
I don’t know what it’s like for those who have come out to bring home the first girl/guy. I can’t imagine the added pressures one might experience on top of the already frightening ordeal. Frankly, I’m glad I don’t! But I do have sympathy. Imagining anything more pressuring than just the introduction is enough to make my palms sweat. I hope that, for those of you hitching up your britches after putting on your big girl panties, everything goes smoothly and your new pairing is as accepted as pleated skirts.
Now that the holidays are pretty much over, I hope that they brought you joy and kindness. I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year and I hope that 2012 bestows lots of love upon you.
Email me at b.haak.pontin@gmail.com and share your funny or heartwarming holiday stories. Hope to hear from you!