Getting in with the Gosnell's

Trying to fit in with your partner’s next of kin can be an extremely daunting thing. You want to impress the fam and assure your man you can kick it with their clan; but you also need to stay true and let them know the real you. It’s bloody difficult, and can really make or break the relationship. Even the initial chat is awkward; where do we do it, when do we do it, do you even want to do it? You start trying to subtly piece together information where you can to work out what kind of family you’re faced with. Are they straight laced and conservative or new age and progressive? Hateful red neck racists or peaceful hippies with hairy pits?

Ollie didn’t give me much information prior to meeting his parents, apart from the fact they were English. My imagination ran wild; I pictured a well to do English couple, enjoying high tea in their palace like abode. I was anticipating dry chat, conservative views, an inordinate amount of stuffiness, and wondering just where the fuck my bogan ocker potty mouth would fit in. I remember thinking I’m too loud, too chatty, too touchy feely, they’re going to hate me.

What I imagined really couldn’t be further from the truth, apart from the fact they do have a very nice house. The Gosnell’s really are the greatest guys. Wendy and Simon, Ollie’s parents are truly two of the warmest, sweetest people I’ve ever met. They have great sense of humour which they’ve passed on to all of their kids. They don’t take things to seriously and they understand what is important in life. They made me welcome from the beginning; the first time we met Ollie went to bed straight after dinner and I stayed up drinking and chatting with them till late evening. I’ve never felt judged or not good enough for their son. They like my silly stories, mirror my fervour for wine and accept me as I am. They order me desert wine instead of cake, and laugh when I’ve had too much champagne at fancy restaurants. In the past I’ve found my significant others significant mothers particularly challenging. The relationship boys have with their mother is very special; some mum’s can get all jealous and narky and act like you’re stealing their boy. Wendy and I just seem to bond over our love for Ollie.

Ollie’s parents are just the cherry on top, he’s also got some seriously cool siblings; Tom and Soph. I met Tom for the first time last year, Ol and I picked him up from the airport and right away I felt a connection – I felt like I’d known him all my life. We were already at ease with one another; our chat just flowed and we could skip the forced fluff getting to know you crap and jump straight into the deep shit. Tommy is like a cheeky version of Ollie, with charm and charisma in spades. It’s impossible not to love him. Like Ollie, he’s sharp as a tack socially and can talk to anyone. He’s a straight talking, no BS kinda guy. I think we’re kindred spirits, we both love scotch fingers, beer and we bring the party. I’m yet to meet his wife Erica, but I already know I’m going to love her. She’s steezy AF, has a sick job and from all reports is a sweetheart. Can’t wait till Christmas when they both come home

Soph I love like one of my sisters. She’s loads of fun, and keeps me feeling young. She knows all the trendy shit and has an awesome bestie Matt – who has a killer voice and killer dance moves. She’s a 10/10; funny, smart, gorgeous, but what makes Soph great - she’s totally self-deprecating. She has a great job in high end fashion, she looks like a model, and could easily assume the role of a Regina George plastic, but she’s modest, mature and has her head screwed on. I think this is true of all of the Gosnell kids – they’re grounded which is what makes them so damn loveable. They’re privileged, popular and pretty and probably could’ve all become pretentious wankers but they’re all so chilled, down to earth, personable and caring. It really is a testament to the job Wendy and Simon have done raising them.

Now I look back, I can’t believe I was so stressed to meet them. Of course my favourite person in the world would come from a fantastic family. Here’s to many more years – and many more times ray ray might get a little too tipsy.

#fambam #gunit #drunkataria #winorayray