Did you talk to him about how you feel? You have nothing to be sorry for. I think most people would be nervous in your shoes so I can totally see how you’d have anxiety about it. I would talk to him about it and see what he says, ask him to have your back and have him introduce you properly. If he reacts weirdly and it makes you uncomfortable, let him know. If he isnasking you to meet his family that shows he cares, and he may not realize how worried about it you are.

I will be worry too if I am going met my girlfriend's family. It is normal. I told my girlfriend I do not want to see her family. I am a social outcast anyway.
It is possible to be with your boyfriend without seeing his family. I am thinking going to Las Vegas to get married. That way, I do not need to deal with families. The hotels have wedding services.

You can ask an expert online.

You have reason to be a little nervous, but that's normal. This sounds like a great step in you and you boyfriend's life, and you will be just fine! I am certain there will be several nice people there who you could talk to. And when/if your boyfriend wanders off, then either go to the restroom, or go hang out by the food or drink or dessert table. Or step outside for some air. Look on your phone as a distraction.

No one will be judging you. People are mostly in their own heads. They'll be eating, watching football, doing their own thing... they won't be scrutinizing you.

It sounds like a fun time to me :) You will be fine and you will have a great time!:)

Thank you everyone. I really feel better , I think talking about it definitely makes it seem a lot less scary

Doesn't sound strange, at all, to me. Families are as complicated as they are important. Getting all those conflicting details into words helps me, too.

We are here to lean on whenever you need. Steadying support while you navigate the new crossroad. Sort freely. Sort often. Rambling allowed.

Thank you so much arfie. It feels very calming to know that people understand and that it is ok.

Meeting the family can be a big deal, the best bet is to let him know how you feel. I assume he knows that you have some issues with anxiety in these situations? And ask him if he can not wonder off like he usually does. He probably doesn’t do it on purpose, he probably just gets carried away when he sees people again. I’m sure if he knew how you felt he’d be happy to stay with you. The more you see them the easier it will be, the first couple of times can be tricky. I’m the same when it comes to meeting new people. It’s daunting. Try not to overthink it.

As for his kid thing, sorry but that’s a more complicated situation not sure what to advise.

Wow, your boyfriend wants you to meet his family for Thanksgiving. Typically for a guy, this is a big deal since if he didn't value you or the relationship, he wouldn't want you around his family. That in itself should provide some relief. People do judge. That is just how it is. It is unfortunate. You can't stop people from judging you, you can only be your best self. The self your boyfriend seems to enjoy and care a lot about. I am an introvert. I don't like social events, whether I know the people or not because I don't like having to start conversations and keep conversations going. I am married now but I remember the few times in my past (pre marriage) that I spent Thanksgiving with my boyfriends and I was nervous too. I also know how proud and grateful I was that they wanted me around their family. I always felt the need to impress everyone by offering to clean up, bring or make a dish, etc. I never heard any negative feedback from anyone and even though the relationships ended, it wasn't over a bad Thanksgiving encounter with the family. Be yourself. It is normal to feel like you do but if you continue to carry those thoughts around you, you won't be able to enjoy the holiday. Also I am shy too and whenever my husband left me alone in a room, I would get nervous too. I've been married 15 years and know that my husband does not like it when I cling to him. He wants me to be secure in who I am and not hold on to his every move. It has taken a lot of work for me to get to the place where I can walk in a room and leave my husband and start conversations with others to the point he will look at me with shock like I can't believe this is the same person who always compained when I left her alone for too long. I am proof that you can build your confidence in this area when you are ready to give it the time and work that it needs. You can even talk to a counselor or about specific social anxieties that you have. Regarding the daughter, again, if he wants you to meet his daughter, I would take that as a good sign, however if this child does belong to him which means he will be more involved in his daughter's life as he should, you have to decide if that is something you want to be a part of. If you love him and care for him, you should love and care for the entire package but no one will fault you if you don't want the extra responsibility in your life right now. No one will fault you for that however if he is a great guy, is he worth it is a question you should truly ask yourself. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. So many people are alone this day. I'm happy that you are spending with someone who cares about you and wants to show you off. At worst, if his family hates you, at least the initial meeting is over and you can decide how you want to handle your relationship with him as you move forward. Enjoy the day. Live in the moment!