When you begin to date someone, you're always dreading the day you meet their family. You start thinking of all the possible outcomes that might happen once you meet them. You start wondering; "What if they don't like me?", "What if I don't like them?", "What are they going to think about me?"... the list is endless. Most of the time it's something we didn't really have to worry about because they end up liking us and we end up liking them and we feel stupid for worrying in the first place.

The worry is real and it does happen (and will continue to happen). However, there are some cases where the family might not like you. For me, that was what I was kind of worried about. I was scared to meet his family, but then I did meet them and I was happy I was wrong, they do like me and they treat me as part of the family already.

I have known my boyfriend for about 8 years now before we started dating. Through this time the only person I knew was his mom and dad, along with his step dad, and his brother that was in my grade in school. I'd never met their extended family.

However, now that I have dated my boyfriend for a year now I have become apart of his family and loving it. I am starting to get them every time we see them or whenever I talk to Jordan about them. I have already been part of the family long before we dated thanks to his mom, she has always been a fan of me and I absolutely love her.

When we got together I felt more like family, especially after I got to meet everyone. So I would like to say Thank You.

To my boyfriend's family,

Thank you for the part you all play in who he has become and continue to grow to become. Each of you has had an impact on who he is as a person and I couldn't thank you enough. I got to know you all before even actually meeting you because all the while we were friends he would talk about you all and I felt like I really knew you.

I want to thank his mom for raising him the way you did. You taught him how he should treat woman and how he should act. He is a true gentlemen, he brings me flowers every anniversary and birthday as well as valentine's day, even though I told him not to anymore. To his siblings, although it took awhile for me to meet all of you I'm glad I have. I always heard about you. You guys were supportive with everything he does. From him going to school, his jobs, and then him going into the Navy.

After hearing about all of you, I'll be honest, I was nervous to meet you. I wasn't sure how any of you would be towards me, to be completely honest I though some might not like me. But you all have welcomed me with open arms and treated me as part of your own right from the start.

To be honest with you, I was very surprised because I'm so used to meeting new people and giving handshakes and then hugging. However, it wasn't like that with any of you, you all right away gave me hugs. I know that sounds stupid and weird thing to say, but to me that is a true sign of someone liking someone and accepting them.

I want to thank you for including me. Whenever there's a family event he tells me about I always wonder if I'm included and he always tells me I am. When I can't make it he tells me how you all look for me and ask where I am, it warms my heart. You have always made me feel like family and I can't thank you enough for that. I am happy that I can continue to get to know you all and be a part of your family. I'm thankful for all of you for helping Jordan become who he is and continues to grow to become.

I can go on, but honestly I won't. I feel like there is no words that could express how grateful I am for you all. I am happy he has a family who is supportive and welcoming.

So thank you, I know it might not mean anything to you, but to me it means everything because he means everything to me.

Love,

His grateful girlfriend.