I stepped off the plane and was met with a familiar smell – the smell of home. Deciding to go home for summer was hard – and it was even harder to bring my girlfriend with me. We had been going out since early February, and I was happier than ever. And yet, I was so insecure about how my family would react.

After taking a deep breath, I took her hand, and we entered the airport. Went through baggage pick up and customs.

And then – we met my family.

My worry had been for nought. They gave us a warm welcome.