Talking with your partner about Nucleus

So, you and your partner are talking about the future—maybe that includes the pitter-patter of little feet. Congratulations! It’s such an exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) time. One topic that might be lingering in the back of your mind is genetic testing. Specifically, you might be curious about Nucleus Family—our test that screens for 900+ genetic conditions that parents could pass on to their kids.

But how do you bring it up without killing the vibe over Netflix and chill? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with these simple (and hopefully fun!) tips for talking with your partner about Nucleus.

1. Ease Into It—Don’t Schedule a “Serious Chat”

When you say the words, “We need to talk,” it can set off a mini internal alarm in your partner’s head. Instead, try a casual approach—no ominous text messages or tense dinner conversations. Think of an organic opportunity, like when you’re planning a trip or discussing future goals:

“So, I was thinking… since we’re talking about possibly starting a family down the line, have you heard about genetic tests like Nucleus? Sounds kind of interesting, right?”

This way, you’re introducing the topic gently, minus any dramatic build-up.

2. Make It About Teamwork

Bringing up a genetic test can feel more natural when you frame it as a “team decision.” It’s not just about you or your partner—it’s about both of you wanting to make informed decisions together. Emphasize how Nucleus can help you both plan for the future with more clarity and peace of mind.

“I love that we’re a team in everything—budgeting, picking a new couch, and hopefully, in family planning too. Let’s find out more about our genetic health together!”

By highlighting that it’s a shared adventure, you’re ensuring your partner doesn’t feel like the test is a demand or directed at them alone.

3. Keep It Light, But Honest

Talking about genetics and health can sound a bit heavy—or even sci-fi. The key is striking a balance between keeping it light and addressing the facts. Acknowledge it’s normal to feel a little weird talking about genetic risks:

“Hey, I get it. The idea of peeking at your DNA is both cool and kind of freaky. But Nucleus basically looks at over 900 genetic conditions, so we can figure out if there’s anything we should keep an eye on before starting a family. It’s like having a blueprint, you know?”

Adding humor—“It’s like a cheat sheet for our future kids!”—can help soften the science.

4. Reassure, Don’t Alarm

We get it—no one wants to feel blindsided by potential health surprises. But remember, genetic testing is about knowledge and preparation, not fear. Emphasize that this isn’t a pass/fail exam; it’s simply about learning more about your unique genetics as a couple.

“The last thing I want is for us to freak out about this. It’s just about being proactive. Nucleus is here to help us understand any risks so we can get the right support. If everything checks out, awesome—if not, at least we’ll know our options.”

By keeping the conversation calm and practical, you’re helping your partner see the test as a useful tool rather than a Pandora’s box.

5. Offer to Explore It Together

Finally, make it a joint mission—not “my project” or “your project.” Suggest looking at the Nucleus Family website together, watching a quick video, or reading up on what the results might look like. This can help your partner feel included and comfortable.

“Wanna check out the Nucleus website together after dinner? We can see what they test for, how long it takes, and maybe see if there are some FAQs we can laugh about. Let’s do it as a duo!”

By turning the conversation into a shared activity, it feels more like researching a fun vacation destination and less like a mandatory chore.

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, Nucleus Family is there to support you in your family-planning journey. Having “the genetic test chat” doesn’t have to be super serious or intimidating. By following these tips—keeping it casual, focusing on teamwork, sprinkling in some humor, and offering to tackle the research together—you’ll turn a potentially awkward subject into an empowering (and maybe even exciting) conversation.

So go forth and talk about the future you’re building together—DNA and all. Because, hey, if you can survive picking out paint colors or binge-watching your partner’s favorite guilty-pleasure show, you can definitely handle chatting about Nucleus. Cheers to building a happy, healthy family!