Some say that when you begin a new relationship, you are dating their parents too.

Really, once your relationship becomes so serious that you begin discussing what your future together could potentially look like, and you cannot imagine taking on life without your partner beside you, parents and family become huge factors to consider. As "the girlfriend" or "the boyfriend," it can be really difficult to feel comfortable among your significant other's family and attempting to find your place amongst their traditions and routines can often leave you feeling a sense of exclusion.

Once my boyfriend and I had reached the point where we felt comfortable introducing each other to family, I feared that I would not be enough for his parents, and they would never fully welcome me into their circle. I have heard so many horror stories about "monopolizing hover parents," and feared that I was walking into a similar situation.

As I began to spend more and more time with his parents, I grew more comfortable and noticed what was and was not appropriate from their perspective, allowing me to feel a greater sense of inclusion as an unfamiliar guest among a close-knit family. Although gatherings with his whole family may make me feel slightly debarred, I truly enjoy time spent with his parents and I feel almost as comfortable with them as I do with my own.

To the mother of my boyfriend, thank you for making me feel at ease in your home, and including me in your family as if I am one of your own. You have always shown such generosity towards me and have been there for me even in times when my own parents were not.

When I am experiencing trauma within my own family and I am nervous to face you in fear of judgment, or you concluding that you do not want me to be with your son as a result of my family's issues, you make me feel comfortable, and like your home is a place I can go and feel at peace. As one who has a difficult time putting my faith in people and believing that they will not eventually reject me, I appreciate knowing that I can trust you, and you truly care about my well being.

Thank you for raising such an incredible son and for teaching him what it means to be a man. He is one of the strongest people I have ever met, and he is so loyal and mature; I know I have you to thank. Your son is truly so special, and I promise to always protect him to the best of my ability, and do everything in my power to prevent him from getting hurt

I understand how hard it must have been for you to trust me to take care of him and be the best girlfriend I can for him, but thank you for never making me feel like I am not enough or I do not belong. I am truly so blessed to have him as such a significant part of my life, and you as well as a result.