meet the parents

I'm surprised by how many responses I've already received to today's column, which talks about meeting a significant other's family for the first time.

It's one of those situations you love for moving your relationship forward, but you hate for being accompanied by so much awkwardness.

There's always that fear you might accidentally mention that pants-off dance-off award you won back in college.

Or, even worse, ask if grandma's coming to dinner -- and then have your boyfriend remind you she died two years ago.

Still, even with those threats, few moments are more special to me than meeting the family of someone I really love. Maybe it's just my sick fetish for social judgment.

Seriously, though, watching someone interact with his or her family tells a lot about character. Play your cards right and you'll leave the once-daunting scene with a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Even if those blackmail-worthy baby photos are intercepted before you can see them.