i’ve been dating this guy for a while; i say dating because we haven’t called each other anything past acknowledging we’re a couple. It’s medium distance and we’ve been seeing each other for about 8 months. I’ve met his family and friends a couple times and he’s always been really excited to introduce me. i was worried he’d act differently to me around his guy peers, but it was extremely reassuring when he was just as respectful and affectionate as usual.

His brother and (soon to be) sister in law are both nice but a little hard to read sometimes. Both are laid back people, niche sense of humor, but overall nice.

i have horrible social anxiety and worry about making myself sound stupid or like i’m trying too hard, so my default is being fairly quiet and not adding to the conversation unless i’m positive i won’t embarrass myself or my SO. Then obviously i’m self conscious of coming off as too quiet; i usually end up having to be somewhat tipsy to feel comfortable enough to act normal.

I can feel he wants me to be a part of their circle, which is super important to him, and i worry i’m presenting as unwilling to integrate. it’s just so difficult when im in my head about how im perceived. His birthday weekend is coming up, and the four of us are spending the weekend together at a waterpark. i’m sick over the idea of coming off as awkward. All my previous relationships were only sons, so this is new territory for me.

Similar experiences and how you dealt with it? Does it get better or is this a sign that we’re not a great fit?