Let’s clear the air….everyone has baggage, especially in Phase II of your life. The kind of baggage may differ depending on how you chose to live your life but the fact remains, we are all carrying around a lot of stuff to sort through. The idea with baggage is not to present yours immediately front and center as if you have been pulled over and a police spotlight is shining in your eyes. It is more than acceptable to introduce yourself….”Hi, my name is Kendall”.
Disclosure will happen but it should happen naturally. You took half your life accumulating this much baggage, don’t be in a rush to expose it all in the first 5 seconds. “Hi, my name is Kendall, I have 3 adult children, 2 of which live at home and I’ve been married 2 times, the last was brief and a total mistake…….” RUN – I think at this point I would even encourage it myself! He cares, maybe not today but he will care about how you got to the space you are in, but give him a moment to tell you he likes your smile or the smell of your hair.
Take some time to unpack your personal things and sort through them. Discard what no longer suits you and neatly fold what you have overcome. Organize it nicely being able to get to anything you need…when you need it. Pack it away respectfully and store the bags in a secure place. Take your time and know where you are and if you want to stay. When you have decided this is a safe place, retrieve one piece at a time to share.
Full disclosure up front only refers to auto or home inspections not relationships. Spend your time evaluating him and how he makes you feel before you invest with your past or your heart.
Baggage….everyone has it!