Are You Affectionate In Front Of Your Family?

By Single-ish posted Nov 15th 2009 5:00PM

Do you dare to bare your feelings in front of the family?

This weekend, the Meanley Clan celebrated my sister's birthday at my grandma's house (Happy Birthday, Jen!!). We enjoyed lunch and cake out on the patio with my dad's side of the family, which is the Englishy, non-affectionate side of the family.

My cousin brought his new girlfriend, and, not to sound all high-schooly (because let's be honest, we cousins are all in our 30s), but he held hands with her! I've never seen him do that. There was hand-holding and arm-wrapping and I even heard the word "Honey" a few times. I was glad to see my cousin happy. It's funny what a woman will do to your cousin.

I've only been in this position a few times in my life, and it's always such a dilemma. I probably worry way too much that I'm distracting or grossing out my relatives. I don't know why, but I feel like such a kid around my fam.

I know a lot of you can't stand the thought of holding hands—and in these swine fluvian times, you may be on to something—but I just wondered how many of you touch your significant other in front of family? Do you hold hands, grab waists? Anyone touch the thigh? Will you play footsie at Thanksgiving?