Meet The Parents?

Dear Guru, 

My boyfriend and I have been dating off/on for three years but have recently gotten quite serious in the past four months. Since it's a long distance relationship we hardly see each other and try to spend holidays together. Last year he came to visit me for a month and this year he wants me to visit him so I can meet his parents. I don't want to. I'm really nervous to meet his family and he's taking it quite personally erupting in nearly daily fights. What do I do?

Sincerely,
Not Ben Stiller

Not Ben,

While I understand your nervousness at meeting your beau's folks, I must point out some glaring items that have influenced my advice for you, the most important of which is reciprocity. I am not at liberty to hypothesize as to why your relationship has been off and on for so long; however what I do surmise are two things: one, your relationship is going good now, and two you are in a relationship wherein you should seize any opportunity to be in the physical presence of your significant other. Last year, he recognized this and made a sacrifice (coming from wherever) to be with you. This year, it’s only right that you exercise reciprocity, build on the great couple months that you have been having and go visit him. As for whether or not you should meet his family, I think that you should talk (not fight) to him about your reservations. Don't make him feel that the relationship is not worth meeting his parents, but rather explain any anxiety you may be experiencing, and see if you two can come to some compromise. Don't let misunderstanding and miscommunication ruin the progress you have been making. And who knows, his parents may fall in love with you, just as he has.

Happy Travels,

CT