DEAR HARRIETTE: I dated a guy for two years, and we even lived together for a year. I thought it was going well, but we broke up about six months ago. I didn’t tell my family because I felt embarrassed that it didn’t work out.
Now I have a new boyfriend, and I like him a lot. I want to bring him to meet the family at Christmas, but I know they will be surprised to meet somebody new. How do I break it to them that I have a new boyfriend without causing an interrogation? I just want to enjoy my life without reliving what didn’t work out. -- Welcome Him, Sarasota, Florida
DEAR WELCOME HIM: By all means, tell your family about your new boyfriend before you bring him home. Otherwise, everyone will be uncomfortable, especially him. Start with your parents. You will have to say something about the breakup and why you are no longer with the first guy. They deserve that context. Before they begin to commiserate with you or chastise you, tell them that you have met someone new whom you really like. Tell your family that you want to bring your new friend home to meet them. Ask them to be kind to him and get to know him.