It feels like everyone is always on vacation in August, right? If you’re lucky, you’re one of the many folks out there who’s jetsetting away for some much-needed rest or relaxation. Personally, I love taking trips with my friends and our partners during the summer. Everyone is ready for a break from work, spirits are high, and we just allow ourselves the space to have fun while we enjoy each other’s company! 

What can throw off the good vibes, though, is when you’re bringing a new significant other into the mix—especially if you’re not quite sure how they’ll gel with the group yet. Why? You want your S.O. to feel totally comfortable and to have genuine fun with your friends. In short, balancing everyone’s expectations can be tough! And vacation is supposed to be relaxing, after all. 

Don’t worry, though. We feel your pain. (Hah.) So to help everyone out, here’s a quick round up of reminders for when you bring a new partner on your group trip.

Prepare In Advance

Time for you and bae to have a fun lil’ gossip session! Tell your partner everything they need to know about the long-standing group dynamics, sensitive topics to avoid, conversation starters that might prove useful, etc. Make sure they feel fully prepared for socializing during the trip, and be sure to provide a full activity itinerary so they’re packed correctly, too. Then they can rest easy beforehand knowing they’ve done everything they can to have the best time. 

Set Boundaries (With Your Friends!)

Is there anything that you definitely do not want your partner to deal with while they’re with your friends for an extended period? Understandable. Tell your friends if there are any subjects or questions to avoid when talking to your S.O., or any behaviors they might find particularly uncomfortable. (Like surprise-tossing them into the pool for example, lol.) Above all, reiterate to your friends how much you care about this person and that you want them to have a good time, so you’d appreciate it if they went out of their way to make them comfortable. 

Be Their Safe Zone

While you’re on the vacation, make sure that you’re a safe space for your partner to vent and ask questions. Odds are, they’re even more anxious than you about making a good impression, so be there to quell their anxieties or reassure them of their value to the group—even if it may seem silly. Overall, just be there to make sure they’re comfortable: Don’t leave them sitting alone at dinner, swimming alone, or standing by themselves at a bar. You brought them with you, after all, so make sure you’re spending quality time with them, too! 

Chill TF Out! 

Remember: It’s just vacation after all! So don’t stress too much about everything. Just relax, but remain conscientious. If things don’t go as planned, it’s not the end of the world. There is plenty of time in life for your partner and your besties to bond. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away! 

You’ve got this 💜.