Congratulations, you’re engaged! Even as you enjoy this celebratory minute with your partner, you’re most likely questioning how you need to share the interesting news with your friends and family– particularly if they have not satisfy your future spouse yet. Whether you’ve had a whirlwind love or just have not had a chance to present them because you started dating, there are a couple of etiquette-approved methods to communicate accepting a proposition to someone your inner circle does not understand. Here’s how to go about the process, according to experts.

Let them know Sooner Than Later

According to etiquette specialists, it’s important to share news of your engagement sooner instead of later on. A much shorter timeline will keep them in the loop, which must help avoid emotions from running high when they ultimately learn you are engaged to someone they haven’t satisfied yet, states Diane Gottsman, rules expert, author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. “Before sharing the news on social networks, make certain your closest family members and good friends are informed to avoid harmed feelings,” she says. “Even when your future [partner] has not met your parents, it’s essential to let household, particularly moms and dads, be the first to know.”

Consider the Order

Stick to this order when communicating news of your engagement, Gottsman says: Tell parents, grandparents, and brother or sisters first– then loop in other substantial member of the family and friends. After that point, you can feel “free to publish it openly after you have actually examined all of the boxes,” says Gottsman.

Your convenience level should also inform who you tell (and when), states Elaine Swann, a way of life and rules specialist and the creator of the Swann School of Protocol. Approach this task by utilizing the “onion approach:” Start at the core of your group, then move on to your next-most essential supporters (so it’s much like peeling back each layer of an onion).

Interact Quickly and Personally

It’s finest to share news of your proposition and introduce your spouse-to-be to your family and closest pals stat, our specialists say. Whenever possible, facilitate the introduction face to face, over the phone, or on Zoom. Constantly prevent interacting by text, because it can seem impersonal, says Gottsman. “You definitely don’t desire your closest friends and family to hear the news on Facebook or Instagram for the very first time,” she includes.

Be Respectful, but Share Your Truth

Under this scenario, regard is key. Go into the discussion with the understanding that it could be uneasy– however remain respectful and don’t give in to anger. “Be aware that the conversation is going to be awkward if you have kept them in the dark,” says Gottsman.

How to Introduce Your Partner

If your liked ones do not understand– or understand of– this individual at all, stay with this script:” [We have] been dating for a number of months and we have actually gotten very major in this time frame and have actually decided to get married,” states Gottsman.

To get ahead of any huge reactions, ensure the statement is positive and inclusive of your enjoyed ones. Attempt saying something like, “We are so thrilled to share the news with you and can hopefully celebrate our engagement personally very soon,” Gottsman suggests.