Hello, We're Getting Related - When the Susses visited the Lees

Imagine a blind date.

The awkwardness. The anticipation. The hope that everything will work out. The fear that you'll never get back those three hours of your life. You cross your fingers, take a deep breath and hope for the best.

That's what it's like when the two families of an engaged couple meet for the first time. The only difference is the dates never stop. You are going to be family, and you're going to like it. Or not.

I was surprised by my tranquility. I thought perhaps I would be worried when my parents and sister arrived at the front door of the Lee residence, but it never happened. My lack of apprehension was a bit alarming, and I found myself having one of those sit-com self narratives. "Matt, are you going to get worried soon? No? Well you're no fun!"

Greeted at the door by Mr. Lee, the Suss family was invited to have a seat in the living room. Now what? You know what we need? Small talk. And so it came to pass. Typical things that new acquaintances talk about, mostly and appropriately relating to the engagement and impending wedding. Six strangers and one shy Maltese just figuring it out.

It started off a little slow, but we all found our stride over delicious berries from Bucks County Produce. Before you know it, we were headed to dinner. The first supper if you will.

It's amazing how incredible a social lubricant great food and drink are. Check that...amazing food. Sushi, the freshest sashimi I've ever tasted, Kobe beef in Ponzu, a crab cake the size of a saucer. We ate, and laughed, and really forgot it was our first time all together. Before you knew it, dinner was over and we were headed back to the Lees.

When we returned, coffee was served and any trace of awkwardness that existed we when we last sat down had disappeared. We left for Long Island shortly after to goodbye waves at the front door and the agreement that we would meet some time on the Island.
As we turned onto the DeKalb pike, we were smiling, knowing just how lucky we were. No longer strangers, not even acquaintances, but family.