Well, what can I say about my recent discovery? My girlfriend's family (they're Polish) is now being mentally represented as a live-action foreign motion picture right before my tired eyes. This amicable revelation was born when I sat on the couch of my girlfriend's family's house - well-structured home suitable for a small residence of four citizens - and I witnessed it all: I was the ignored audience of Polish individuals speaking in their native tongue with each other, with the kind exception of breaking the fourth wall. Yet I was slightly intrigued by this phenomenon, this luxurious front row seat of a movie without subtitles, but merely presented by the interpretation of the usage of gestures, emotions, general actions, and oftentimes a small homage to my native language, i.e., English. It's even more hilarious to keep in mind that probably half the family doesn't quite enjoy my company; could be for a number of reasons.
As I sat outside with the family, eating away the freshly cooked sausages and burgers, I pretended to have my plate as a bag of popcorn as I paid attention to what they were talking about: Papa Bear, with his slick sunglasses equipped, smiling and indulging in small talk with his mother and brother, Mama Bear giving me her dispositional face of content and conversing with her mother and my girlfriend nearly simultaneously, and my girlfriend responding in the aforesaid articulation of their language. With my sunglasses drawn and me digging into my small plate of grilled goods, I couldn't do much but sit there, involve an endeavor of small talk as they break away from Polish, try not to walk away to avoid a sense of insolence, and enjoy the cheerful and energetic scenery of the block party that was being held under the burning rays of the sun.
Did I feel left out? Fuck yeah I did. *chuckle* But nothing comes in impeccable when you begin to flesh out to a new family; I suppose they just gotta get used to your presence, and vice versa.
As a resident of Desolation Row, I leave you with this: if it is meant to be, it will be...you'll see. Whether it be attempting to fit in with your girlfriend's family or whatever the case may be, just give it some time, and try not to stress yourself out too much.
