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What you need to know before meeting your partner’s child or children

Doubtless, you feel stick-nervous about meeting your partner’s children for the first time. I suspect you’ve lots of questions about what to expect, how to be, what to do and say and what not.

There’s a ton to consider, and I’m super impressed that you landed here. Clearly, you care enough to want to get it right.

So, I have a ton of information, advice and tips to prepare yourself for meeting your partner, boyfriend or girlfriend’s children.

Let’s talk first, though, about when it’s the best time to meet them.

When to wait meeting your partner’s children

Naturally, you’d want to avoid setting yourself up for failure. So, you’ll want to think twice about meeting your partner’s kids when the circumstances are less than ideal for a first-time meetup.

When neither the kids nor the parents are ready for you

It’s unlikely to be a good idea for you to meet the kids for the first time:

• When you’re having an affair (at least while both parents are still living together or have only recently split up).
  The other parent will likely do all they can to make your life miserable. The children almost certainly will take the side of the injured parent. They’ll be totally against you from the word go (and you’ll know all about it!)
• When the parents broke up relatively recently, the children won’t have had sufficient time to adjust to this life-changing upheaval.
• When the breakup was particularly contentious, and both parents have yet to learn to parent their children cooperatively.
• When the kids’ living arrangements have been or are still insecure since the breakup
• When they haven’t had a chance to settle into their new routine
• When your partner doesn’t want to tell the other parent that the children are meeting you (for kids who are likely to guess what meeting the new ‘friend’ entails.

In any of the above circumstances, you can decide to patiently wait until things settle in the family or run a mile!

When you‘re not ready to be introduced to the kids

• When you’re not absolutely sure you want to become a carer for or stepparent to someone else’s children
• When you don’t like children having a relationship with a single parent is asking for trouble. Second marriages already have a much higher failure rate!
• When you’re going through a difficult time, you’ll need to exude comfort, calm, empathy, adaptability and patience – all probably in short supply when you’re not feeling your best.
• When you’re new out of a relationship (see the above point)
• You’re dating, barely knowing where the relationship will lead.

How to tell your partner you’re not ready to meet their children

You can use whatever reason from the above list that applies to you as a starting point.

You might say something like:

“I’d love to meet your children, of course, when the time is right. However, right now, I think/know …, therefore I feel … and would love to wait until ….”

Does none of the above apply to you? Or, if you’ve decided to keep the occasion so low-key that none of those conditions matter, read on.

Before agreeing to meet your partner’s children

You need to know if your partner is the kind of person with whom you want to co-parent – without making any judgements about rights or wrongs (90% of mothers and 85% of fathers feel judged!)

It’s all very well that you are falling in love with them, but becoming a step-parent/carer to their kids is a whole different ballgame. It’s hard! I can promise you that parenting together will test your relationship.

So, try to answer the following questions for yourself before you agree to meet your partner’s kids:

To judge their (misplaced?) eagerness

• How often have they introduced new partners to their kids?
• At what stage of the relationship did their kids meet the potential life partner?
• What was their choice of venue – child appropriate or suited to the adults’ needs?

Your ideas about the above matter.

What is the relationship like between your partner and their ex?

• Have they sufficiently disconnected emotionally? Or are there signs of longing or excessive anger and resentment?
• Are they showing any signs of self-reflection and owning their mistakes? Do they talk about what they’d do better this time around?
• Do they (attempt to) communicate consistently with their ex about the children’s needs? Or do the two of them appear to argue about it all the time?
• With whom do the children spend most of their time?

Your views about all this matter.

How do they appear to parent?

• How involved with the kids do you gather they have been in the past and now?
• Do you see evidence of consistent parenting – not swinging from loving to critical and even abusive?
• Do they seem capable of lovingly setting consistent boundaries? Or is the children’s behaviour ‘managed’ with promises of sweets, presents and outings?

The above tips will give you an indication of how your partner is likely to parent. It’s up to you now to decide if this is the kind of person with whom you want to parent a bunch of kids.

When it’s the right time to meet your partner’s children

So, in summary, the best time to meet your partner’s children is when the parents, you and the children are ready for it. What precisely that means you’ve, hopefully, been able to deduct from all of the above.

Let’s now set you up for a successful meeting.

How your partner can best introduce you will depend on a few conditions, such as:

• The age of the children
• Their other biological parent’s feelings, attitude and behaviours toward the kids and their other parent since the breakup. Are they kindly inclined and cooperative or mean, argumentative and in no way wanting their kids to acquire a new ‘parent’? Because that matters a lot to the children!
• How long ago the parents broke up. You’ll want to discuss how the children have adjusted with your partner.
• The length and the stage of your relationship. Is there real potential you’ll stay together? Then, of course, you’ll want to learn more about this huge part of your partner’s life.

Decide with your partner if they should introduce you as just a ‘friend’, someone they really like or a potential life partner.

Expert tips for meeting your partner’s kids for the first time

6 tips to help you feel at your best

1. You need to feel relatively (at this stage) confident that your partner is the sort of parent you want to get to know better from what you’ve gathered so far.
2. You need to feel involved in deciding how, where and when you’ll meet your partner’s children. Though, please take into consideration that he knows his children, so his opinion might need to carry more weight.
3. You’ll need to feel some control over the situation. For example, you might want to have the opportunity to withdraw yourself for a few minutes or a while without that being (made into) an issue. Therefore, you’ll have discussed the possibilities with your partner.
4. It has to be fun, not only for the children but also for you and your partner. Opportunities for laughter would make it even better.
5. You’ll need to feel safe and secure – you’ll need to know that your partner won’t undermine you in any way (not now and not ever). At the same time, understand that they, too, are likely to be nervous. They may not be entirely themselves, and the children will likely pick up on that! Accept that the children’s well-being is their main priority.
6. Be curious, but don’t bombard the kids with questions. If they tell you something, you might say: “Wow, you sound so excited/proud/enthusiastic about that. I’d love to know more.” That means giving and receiving attention.

How to help the children to feel at their best

Guess what?

They’ll need almost the same conditions!

Ideally, your partner would have kept the announcement of meeting you pretty low-key. It’s best to avoid building it up to be a big thing at this stage. Going out and meeting a ‘friend’ is all that young kids need. Teenagers are likely smart enough to realise there’s more to it. So, being open and honest about why you’re meeting up may be the best strategy.

4 tips to helping your partner feel at their best

1. Let them express how they feel about the occasion. Don’t judge them or say they don’t need to feel like that. Simply say something like: “It’s totally understandable you feel ….”
2. Reassure them that you’re nervous/tense/apprehensive but looking forward to meeting their children.
3. Your partner will (secretly) fear you judging their kids. Whether or not you already have children, you’ll have a view on how they ‘should’ behave. Your job is to become super aware of those judgements and shelve them for now.
4. Tell your partner you’re going with an open mind, realising that it may feel a little awkward for all. Accept and reassure them that perhaps none of you (except maybe the very youngest kids) will likely feel and be your usual self.

Worried your partner’s kids won’t accept or like you?

That’s a really understandable fear. The health and future of your relationship may well depend on how your partner’s children receive you.

The best way I can prepare you for that is by referring you to my articles:

• What to do if your partner’s children don’t like you
• How to deal with adult children ruining your relationship.

I know the latter, in particular, sounds pretty severe. But if you understand how to avoid such tricky situations in advance, you’re likely to feel more confident.

Finally

After reading this article, I hope you feel more confident meeting your partner’s children for the first time. You’ve got plenty of tips to help you and your partner to make well-thought-through choices.

We’ve talked about when it’s a good time to meet the kids for the first time and when not.

Know that you’re far braver, more resilient and more capable than you might be giving yourself credit for.

You’ve got this!

Let’s be honest: promoting an event in today’s media-saturated world is no small feat. You’ve got a killer idea, an exciting lineup, maybe even early bird buzz but if no one hears about it, none of that matters. That’s where the press release comes in.

But not just any press release. A well-written, properly formatted, journalist-ready event press release that gets picked up, not passed over.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to write a press release for an event that earns media attention, drives registrations, and positions your brand like a pro. Whether it’s your first event or your fiftieth, you’ll find practical tips, examples, and even a downloadable template to make the process painless.

What Is an Event Press Release and Why Does It Matter?

An event press release is a formal, concise, and news-style announcement sent to media outlets to publicize an upcoming event. Think of it as your official pitch to journalists, an invitation to help you spread the word.

Why does it matter?

• Media coverage = legitimacy. A press release adds professionalism and builds credibility with media and potential attendees.
• It informs your audience. Details like what, when, where, and why are all in one neat place.
• It sets the tone. Journalists are more likely to cover an event that’s communicated clearly and newsworthy.

Event press releases are particularly useful for:

• Conferences
• Product launches
• Fundraisers
• Public ceremonies
• Webinars and virtual events
• Community outreach programs

What Should You Include in a Press Release for an Event?

When learning how to write a press release for an event, start with the structure. Press releases follow a standard, proven format designed to make editors’ lives easier.

Here’s what every sample press release for an event should include:

1. Headline and Subheadline

Grab attention. Your headline should be specific, keyword-rich, and newsworthy. Subheadlines give you space to add extra context or highlight a special guest or theme.

Example:

Local Food Festival Returns to Downtown This October
Annual event to feature celebrity chefs, live music, and local vendors

2. Introduction (The Lead Paragraph)

Summarize the most important information right away. Journalists want to know the who, what, when, where, why, and how.

3. Body Paragraphs

Add supporting information: speaker bios, themes, partnerships, sponsors, quotes, or statistics that make the event more compelling.

4. Boilerplate

This is your “About Us” paragraph. A 2-3 sentence company bio that explains who you are and why you’re organizing the event.

5. Media Contact

Include a name, email address, and phone number so journalists can follow up. If they can’t reach you, they won’t cover the story.

How to Format an Event Press Release Professionally

Formatting can make or break your press releases.

Stick to this layout:

• Top left: “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” (in all caps)
• Right under that: Event date and location (e.g., NEW YORK – August 1, 2025)
• 12-point serif font (like Times New Roman)
• Single-spaced text with double spaces between paragraphs
• One page is ideal; two max
• End with “###” centered at the bottom

Step by Step Guide to Writing an Event Press Release

Let’s break it down into manageable steps:

1. Find Your News Angle

Don’t just announce the event, explain why it matters now. Is it your first time back in-person? Are you launching a new product? Partnering with a notable organization? Make your hook media-worthy.

2. Craft a Strong Headline

Aim for clarity and intrigue. Keep it under 80 characters. Avoid hype and use facts.

Bad: “You Don’t Want to Miss This Crazy Event!”

Good: “Award-Winning Playwright to Headline Community Theater Festival”

3. Nail the First Paragraph

Journalists might not read past the first few lines. Include the “Five Ws and One H” right away: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

4. Add Supporting Quotes

Pull quotes from organizers, sponsors, or performers. This adds a human voice and authority.

5. Finish With the Boilerplate + Contact Info

This part is often overlooked, but it’s critical. Don’t bury the contact info, make it easy to find.

Event Press Release Templates and Examples

Here’s a free event press release template to kick things off:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CITY, State – Date

[Event Name] to Take Place on [Date] at [Venue]

[City, State] – [Your organization] is excited to announce [event name], a [type of event] happening on [date] at [location]. The event will feature [key highlights], bringing together [target audience] for a day of [activity, learning, fun, etc.].

“We’re thrilled to bring this experience to the community,” said [Name], [Title] of [Organization]. “It’s a great opportunity for [reason].”

Tickets are available at [event website]. Media inquiries can be directed to [Contact Name] at [email] or [phone number].

About [Organization Name]
[1-2 sentence description of your organization and mission.]

Need inspiration? Check out this event press release example for a product launch:

NEW YORK – August 14, 2025
Tech startup Zenova is unveiling its latest wearable at the FutureTech Expo this September. The product, designed to track stress levels through biometric sensors, will be demonstrated live during the event, with interactive demos and Q&A sessions available for attendees…

Where and How to Distribute Your Event Press Release

Writing your release is half the battle, distribution is the other.

1. Send to Local and Industry Media

Use Google News, LinkedIn, or tools like Muck Rack to find journalists who cover your niche. Personalize your pitch and avoid mass-blasting.

2. Use a Press Release Distribution Service

Tools like Press Advantage, EIN Presswire, or PR Newswire can help get your release in front of a broader audience, including search engines.

3. Share It on Your Channels

Post the release on your blog, LinkedIn, newsletter, and in any Facebook event or Eventbrite listing. Repurpose quotes and stats into social posts.

4. Email It to Your Network

Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth. Send it to vendors, speakers, partners, and past attendees, they’ll help amplify your reach.

How to Make Sure Your Press Release Gets Noticed

Pro Tip: Distribute 2–3 weeks in advance for the best media pickup.

Press Releases for Events: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s recap the most common slip-ups:

1. Weak or vague headline
2. Skipping the basics (who, what, when, where)
3. Saving important info for the bottom
4. Overhyping or sounding like an ad
5. Writing generically without targeting your audience
6. Forgetting the boilerplate or media contact
7. Not proofreading
8. Sending it too late
9. Ignoring proper press release formatting
10. Leaving out a clear CTA

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in 10+ years of writing press releases, it’s this: simple, clear, and timely always wins.

A great event press release doesn’t need flashy language or clever tricks—it needs structure, substance, and a touch of storytelling. When done right, it doesn’t just announce your event, it elevates it.

Use the templates, follow the structure, and always write with your audience (and the journalist) in mind. Whether you’re announcing a TED-style conference or a neighborhood cleanup, your event deserves to be seen.

Bumble Dating Experts

For the record, I am quoted in the article below about dating with anxiety. You can read the article here: https://bumble.com/en-us/the-buzz/dating-with-anxiety (I am not employed by Bumble, I do not get any payments from Bumble).

While it helps to get advice when and where you can, when it comes to dating (the biggest decision one can make about who they spend their time on, with etc) people rarely get the help they need to make informed decisions.

People are often looking for hacks, quick fixes and rarely look at themselves in the mirror to make sure they are ready to date, happy on their own, have realistic expectations and are capable of using good judgment and making sincere efforts.

Here is the job description for their in-house relationship experts (from one of their investors). From what I can tell, these folks are employed by Bumble in some capacity. 

As with any advice, consider the source. I am an independent expert who is not bound by one app, heck, in many cases, I tell clients to not use apps depending on their mindset, effort, realistic expectations etc. I evaluate options even those that don’t involve hiring me. That is the difference between other coaches, experts and myself.

 

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Today’s Dating is Intentional, Not Instant
Over 1,200 OkCupid singles reveal how they’re dating this year, and what really matters most

Dating in 2025 isn’t about matching fast or falling harder. It’s about getting real, moving intentionally, and finding connections that align with your values (and maybe your star sign, too). We surveyed more than 1,200 singles on OkCupid to better understand how people are dating right now, and let’s just say: the vibe has shifted.

Here’s what’s in, what’s out, and what Gen Z and Millennials (aka 90% of our respondents) are thinking about when it comes to modern love.

Apps Are Still It

Despite what your one friend who met their partner at a dinner party keeps saying, dating apps aren’t going anywhere. In fact, they’re still the primary way people are meeting romantic prospects in 2025, especially among younger singles:

• 57% of respondents said they’re meeting people primarily through dating apps
• Only 11% are meeting partners “in real life” (through work, friends, or events)
• And 38% are doing a mix of both

So no, you’re not the only one who hasn’t locked eyes across a crowded bookstore lately. You’re just dating in the 21st century.

Slower, Softer Dating Is the Mood

“Intentional dating” isn’t just a trending phrase. It’s a lifestyle. When we asked people to describe their current dating mindset, one thing was clear: gone are the days of rapid-fire flings and undefined situationships:

• 71% of singles said they’re looking for something meaningful, even if it takes time
• 52% are open to what feels right but want clarity
• 25% are dating slowly to protect their energy

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Basically, dating with purpose is in. Ghosting and playing it cool? Out.

That also shows up in how people are managing their connections: 40% of daters are focused on just one person at a time. Not because they’re not getting matches, but because they’re getting serious.

Values First, Situationships Second

So what’s actually guiding people’s approach to dating this year? Spoiler alert: it’s not TikTok advice or reality TV.

• 61% said personal values and life goals shape how they date
• 34% are influenced by past relationships
• Social media, pop culture, and even friends barely registered

The takeaway? Today’s singles know what they want because they’ve taken the time to learn from what didn’t work.

DTR: Define the Relationship, But Don’t Rush It

Even with all this intentionality, most daters aren’t rushing to label things. That doesn’t mean they’re avoiding commitment — it just means they’re moving at their own pace.

• 31% prefer to take things slow and see where it goes
• 28% are ready to define things when they feel it
• 22% bring it up after a few good dates
• Only 6% avoid labels altogether

So yes, “What are we?” is still alive and well. It’s just being asked on your timeline, not society’s.

We See You, Stalkers (Same)

Before going on a first date, more than half of respondents admit they do a little…research.

• 57% check their date’s Instagram
• 20% Google their political views
• 13% look up their zodiac sign
• 10% dig into salary or job title

No judgment here! Consider it dating due diligence.

Sex, Money, and Everything In Between

When it comes to money, most daters aren’t looking for a specific income, they’re looking for ambition and alignment.

• 68% would date someone who makes significantly less, as long as they’re driven or money isn’t a priority for them
• Only 11% flat-out said they wouldn’t

As for sex? It matters. A lot.

• 79% say sexual compatibility is either “very” or “extremely” important to relationship success
• But that doesn’t mean people are rushing into those conversations. More than half (52%) of singles prefer to wait until it comes up naturally, while 21% talk about it after a few dates

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Once in a relationship, the majority want a balance: 72% prefer a mix of spontaneous and scheduled sex.

So what does all of this mean?

Dating in 2025 is thoughtful. It’s emotionally aware. And it’s happening (mostly) on apps like OkCupid. Whether you’re figuring it out or already found your person, one thing’s for sure: there’s no “right” way to date. But a little clarity, intention, and maybe some Instagram sleuthing can’t hurt.

Looking to date more meaningfully this year? You know where to find us.

Media contact: MichaelK@OkCupid.com

Now that you know what’s important to singles, it’s time to match on what matters to you! Download OkCupid to find a date today.