what NOT to say when meeting your future in-laws…

It was bound to happen sooner or later.  How it didn’t happen until I was in my twenties is beyond me.

Combine a twenty-two year habit of talking too fast, with a little problem of not thinking before you speak, mixed with a little tendency to combineyourwords, and what do you have?  One of the most embarrassing moments of my life.

I had flown into Midland, Texas from Houston to meet Joe’s family for the very first time.  I was nervous and excited all rolled into one.  I knew Joe and his mom were picking me up from the airport, so any apprehension I had about meeting her would easily be dissolved since Joe would be there as a buffer.

Greta was truly wonderful.  She greeted me with a big hug and a small gift to make me feel even more welcome.  The introduction went as smooth as possible and we quickly loaded up the car and headed to Joe’s home.

I just have to meet his dad. No sweat.  It was his mom I was more nervous about meeting and I nailed it!  I got this next one in the bag…

We arrived to their beautiful ranch-style home and while Greta and Joe took my bags back to my room, Bill (Joe’s dad) made his entrance into the living room to meet me.

All of a sudden, my throat started to tighten and my palms started to sweat.  I hadn’t expected to be alone when I met his father for the first time.  Where in the world is Joe! He should be in here with me, I can’t do this alone…be cool, be cool!

Bill introduced himself and was as kind as could be.  It didn’t matter though, I had never felt this nervous before in my life.  I was about to be engaged to his son (yes, we only dated for 5 weeks before we got engaged- this story is for another day). First impressions are everything!

Just be funny, Jenny…don’t say anything stupid and you’ll be fine!  You’re a good, Christian girl…why wouldn’t he want you to marry his son?!

Bill: “So, Jenny…how in the world do you put up with my son?”

Can’t breathe. Sweat pouring.  Heart palpitating. Relying solely on what little humor I could muster.

Just come back with something witty and leave him rolling in laughter, he’ll for sure be begging Joe to propose that night.  “I just take pity on his son!”…that’ll work…

Bill: “So, Jenny…how in the world do you put up with my son?”

Jenny: “Oh, Mr. Rigney, it’s easy!  …I just TITTY on him!”

What the?!?