Meeting the folks

SMS, me to Dad: Hey Dad, What are you guys doing this weekend? Janek and I have been invited to a party [near home] on Sunday. So can I stay at your place on Saturday night?
SMS, Dad to me: Mum has something on Saturday, but I’ll be home. Of course you can stay.
SMS, me to Dad: Cool, thanks. When I have more details I’ll let you know.
SMS, Dad to me: Cool. Will J be staying here too?

This had me a little worried. Well, “worried” isn’t the right word, but I wasn’t sure how this would pan out. They know about Janek, Mum has met him briefly and seems to like him, but how would they go with us both sleeping under their roof? Together? Rather than have any awkwardness on Saturday, I gave Mum a call to find out what she thinks…

Me: Hey Mum, how’re you?
Mum: I’m well. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?
Me: Well I wanted to ask you about this weekend… How do you feel about Janek staying there? In my room, I mean.
Mum: Well how do you feel about it?
Me: I feel great, how do you feel?
Mum: I feel fine. (to Dad) How do you feel about Janek staying here? (quick silence) He feels fine, everyone’s fine, don’t worry.
Me: Good good. So when can we expect you?

We arrived late.

We had dinner, a simple chicken stirfry that I invented from left-overs that Dad really loved, and then watched a movie with them. Mum went to bed early; Dad watched another movie with us, as we snuggled up on the lounge. There was no awkwardness, no sideling looks, no whispers; they loved him, like I knew they would. And he loved them. So much so that he even sided with my mother during an argument on how best to cook rice. Though I was pissed off at the time that he wasn’t backing me up, since he’s seen me make rice this way hundreds of times, I was glad he felt comfortable enough to join in the jokey kind of argument.

As we were getting ready for bed Dad said “So I take it you don’t want me to make up Sister’s room?” I said no. He smiled knowingly and went on his way.

The next morning, as we leaving, I snuck into Mum’s room and did the whole “So now that you’ve spent more than a few minutes with him, what did you think?” thing in hushed whispers so that Janek wouldn’t know we were talking about him (though I do realise that by writing about it I am negating my efforts somewhat). She told me she really likes him, and that she’s glad I brought him to meet them.

I didn’t get a chance to ask Dad, so I sent him a text message tonight…
SMS, me to Dad: So what do you think of Janek?
SM S, Dad to me: I like Janek! Was going to ask how he felt about meeting the parents.
SMS, me to Dad: He was nervous as hell on the drive up but it dissipated quickly.
SM S, Dad to me: And… what did he say on the trip home?
SMS, me to Dad: I dunno… do you have anything specific in mind? He said he had a good time, you and Mum are really lovely etc.
SM S, Dad to me: No… that is fine. Just hoped that he felt comfortable being here
SMS, me to Dad: Oh yes, he did. Very much. Weekend was a huge success :-)