Families Collide: Meet the family

SheKnows: When it comes to the man who is dating your daughter, what qualities would you like to see?
The Ericksons: We would want him to be a follower of Jesus Christ, respectful and considerate of Rachel, respectful to us, responsible and have a good sense of humor.

SheKnows: Have you generally approved of her boyfriends in the past?
The Ericksons: Yes!

SheKnows: Do you have any "intimidation tactics" for the meeting with Brian?
The Ericksons: No. We want him to be comfortable meeting us.

SheKnows: Tell us how you fell in love.
Mrs. Erickson: We met and started dating 33 years ago while still in high school. We were introduced by Rachel's dad's brother and my best friend, who were dating at the time. We had fun together on our first date, but I had to cancel our second date because I had been bitten by an ant shortly before he was to pick me up, and I had an allergic reaction. He thought the ant bite was a lame excuse to not go out with him. Fortunately, his mom talked him into calling me again. As we were dating, we became best friends, and then got married three years later, when we were both 19. Now, after raising two children and 30 years of marriage, we are still best friends.

SheKnows: Mr. Erickson, do you recall the anticipation of meeting your wife's parents when you first started dating?
Mr. Erickson: Since my wife's mom was single and her dad was living out of state when we started dating, I don't remember being nervous about meeting her dad. I do remember the first time I met her mom: We had been dating a short time when I stopped by Rachel's mom's house one afternoon to see her. She wasn't home, but her mom answered the door and invited me in for soda and popcorn. We had a nice visit, and she wasn't intimidating at all.