Big events like the holidays are probably the worst possible times to introduce a new significant other to your family — but unfortunately, a lot of the time, it’s also unavoidable. But hey, at least we can allow bemoan the insanity that inevitably occurs during these introductions together, thanks to filmmaker, writer, and comedian Ali Vingiano’s latest video, “Bringing Him Home for the Holidays.” Vingiano, who previously brought us that amazing “What You Say When You First See an Ex” video, teamed up with Glamour Magazine on her newest offering, and you guys? It is so. True. I mean it. Every single moment of it is absolute truth.
Written by Vingiano and directed by TJ Misny, “Bringing Him Home for the Holidays” runs in a similar vein to the "running into your ex" video: It deftly translates what everyone says during an uncomfortable holiday introduction into what they really mean. The best part? Not only is it laugh-out-loud hilarious, but moreover, it’s actually rather useful. While it’s true that the video won’t necessarily help you prevent every awkward situation depicted in it from happening in the first place, it will at least prepare you for the horrors to come. Because after all, the readiness is all, right?
I’m pretty sure we’ve all been here, regardless as to whether you’ve introduced a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a hetero life partner, a pet hedgehog, or what have you. But don’t worry. We’ll get through this together. Below, find a number of commonly encountered phrases and their helpful translations; scroll down to watch the whole video. Oh, and check out these useful tips while you're at it — they'll make it easier for everyone in the long run. Good luck!
When you say: “Mom, this is Nate.”
You really mean:
When your mom says: “It’s so nice to meet you!”
She really means:
When your boyfriend says: “You have a beautiful home!”
He really means:
When your dad says: “Hey! You must be Nathan. I’ve heard great things about you. We’re so happy to finally meet you!”
He really means:
And:
When your boyfriend says: “I brought wine!”
He really means:
When your dad says: “So, Nate — you’re a musician?”
He really means:
When your boyfriend says: “Yeah, I’m a drummer.”
He really means:
But when he also says: “And I do some work as a music producer also.”
He really means:
When your dad says: “And honey, everything’s going well at the firm?”
He really means:
When you say: “Oh, yeah, it’s great! I’m really learning a lot from the other associates.”
You really mean:
When your mom says: “Nate, don’t you think a lawyer should dress up?” after she comments repeatedly on your hair and wardrobe choices…
She really means:
When your boyfriend says: A garbled string of nonsense…
He really means:
When your dad says: “Sorry about that, Nate.”
He really means:
And just wait until we get to family game night. Watch the full video below, and check out more of Vingiano's work over at her YouTube channel:
Images: Glamour Magazine/YouTube (14)
