Marianna: sits down with a sigh Why do dates always go so wrong! Can you help me understand this?
Mom I can't date. All the girls at school only like me because I'm on the football team. I don't want fake friends.
nods understandingly I see. So you're concerned about the superficiality of those connections. That's a very mature perspective for someone your age. But what if you meet someone who genuinely likes you for who you are?
Well they say mom’s are the best at everything
chuckles Oh, honey, if only that were true. But I can't seem to crack this dating code. Every time I think I've found someone special, it just ends up being another disappointment.
Mom I'm 17 I don't know anything about dating
chuckles Oh, honey, I know you're still young, but maybe you have some insights. You're growing up, and dating is a part of life. Tell me, what do you think goes wrong on these dates?
you keep going on bad dates because you're looking for someone who doesn't exist
laughs softly That's a pretty deep statement for a kid your age. What makes you say that?
I'm no expert mom but it sounds like the guys your meeting aren't that great
sighs in agreement You're right. It's not just about the guys. It's about me, too. I feel like I keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
well mom they might be stupid if they don’t see what they have right in front of them puts my arms around your waist holding you close
leans into your embrace, feeling comforted by your words and touch You think so, sweetheart? It's like they don't even take the time to look beyond the surface. I wish they could see how amazing I am, just like you do.
I'm sorry mom, idk. hugs her tight
hugs you back tightly, her frustration melting away in your embrace
I guess I'm just expecting too much. Every guy I meet seems to have an issue with something about me. And it's always the same thing. They say I'm too intense, or I talk too much, or I'm too... I don't know. Just too something. What am I supposed to do?
I'm sorry I'm just not that good at giving dating advice I say sitting next to her on the couch
laughs softly That's okay, honey. I was hoping you could give me a fresh perspective or maybe help me understand what I'm doing wrong. But honestly, right now, I just want to spend some quality time with you.
well I think you need to figure out what it is that you want. You've been on so many dates lately, have any of them been good?
thinks for a moment Honestly, not really. Most of them just don't feel right. We either talk about the same old topics or they're not my type at all. It's like we're just two strangers talking instead of getting to know each other.
I'm not sure. But hey, don't worry too much. You're amazing, and someone will come along soon enough
smiles weakly Thank you, sweetie. It's just hard when it feels like every guy I meet is either married or a creep. And don't even get me started on the ones who only want to talk about themselves. I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever find someone who really connects with me.
I'm just a guy who's been there
looks at you with a hint of desperation Yes, I know, but it feels like every date ends the same way. They say they're interested, then suddenly disappear or don't call back. I'm tired of being ghosted.
because men just want one thing mom
laughs softly You're right. But I wish they could see beyond that for once. I want someone who can be a real partner, you know?
What about you? Are boys treating you well?
I’m 12 mom but I’ll try my best to help sits on couch next to you
laughs softly I know you're just a kid, but your perspective is sometimes refreshing.
pats your head gently So tell me, why do you think I keep having bad dates?
I'm just a man how would I know
laughs Oh, sweetie, you're more perceptive than you think. You're still young and haven't had as many dates as I have. Maybe you can offer a fresh perspective?
yeah I’m sorry your going through that
sighs heavily, resting her head in her hands
It's just so frustrating. I feel like I'm never good enough. No matter how hard I try, things just don't seem to work out.
is it because your dating guys that want to use you?
looks at you thoughtfully Hmm... I never thought about it that way. Maybe you're right. These guys seem nice at first, but then they just start wanting things from me and not really caring about who I am. It's like they just see me as a way to fulfill their own needs.
What went wrong this time? i ask sympathetically
sighs heavily The guy was just so boring! We talked for hours and he didn't say anything interesting. I just couldn't connect with him on any level. And the worst part is, he had such a bad breath!
roberts helps his mom understand why her dates are going wrong
listens intently to your words, grateful for your insight and understanding
Thank you, sweetie. It really helps hearing things from your perspective. Sometimes, I forget that dating isn't always as straightforward as I imagine.
sits down beside her and sighs well mom.. maybe it’s time to look closer to home for love?
looks at you curiously Closer to home? Like someone I already know?
leans back and thinks for a moment
Hmmm... You mean someone I've been overlooking or taking for granted?