Whenever you meet your significant others parents, it’s always a bit intense. Whether or not they’re wonderful people, chances are you’re going to be on edge because you want to make sure you make the right impression. So I went for it. I did what every person dreads doing. I told my significant other, I want to meet your parents. And I’m fortunate to have loving in-laws who have accepted me from day one. 

We setup a day for me to meet Katie’s parents and there was no turning back. When I walked into the apartment I was greeted with a warm smile and hug from Katie’s mom. I noticed “Seinfeld” is on. Ok, they love my favorite show. After a wonderful meal and some quality bonding over, “Seinfeld.” Katie’s father Marquis asks if I want to play Madden. I think to myself, am I dreaming? I love fucking Madden. It turns out, these are my people. They would treat me like one of their own very on in the relationship and I felt the love, doing my best to reciprocate it. 

Then COVID struck. I wouldn’t see Katie for months. But after a family decision (and only knowing me for about 6 months) they let me move in during a pandemic. I couldn’t be more grateful for the love they showed me. Unfortunately for us, they would be on their next adventure to Florida. It’s ok, though everytime I see them it’s like being reunited with my own parents.

Janet, my second mother, is a strong woman and a very compassionate one at that. She’s always willing to listen to me, and have a great conversation. She’s help bring me closer to the love of my life and predicted of the most positive facets of our relationship. She's like our own fortune teller, guiding us together.

Then there’s Marquis, my other dad. He’s helped put in perspective jobs for me. We’ve clowned around plenty, but most importantly he’s been understanding throughout our relationship. He’s a big softie at heart, and always has my back. I feel truly honored to have them as my second set of parents.

The way people portray in-laws in media is with a sense of dread. They have their own squabbles or issues with them that can’t be erased. That couldn’t be further from the truth for me. I’m grateful that I not only have in-laws but I have two sets of parents. People I could rely on, talk to about anything, and most importantly share love with one another.