It’s Easter. It’s Passover. And you’re single. Any way you slice the brisket, you’ll have to deal with Your Mother.
More specifically, your mother’s nudging, prodding, crying, or stoically passing the vegetables, hoping that Elijah’s chair is filled with your Nice Boyfriend next year.
“So, how are the boys? Any nice men at your new job? I know you go to yoga class these days, are there any nice guys there?”
“Remember Rachel from Oxford Street? She just got engaged to a very nice man. He’s a lawyer.”
“Have you tried online dating? I heard match.com is very nice. Susan’s daughter Sara found her boyfriend on JDate.”
Oy vey.
What do you do? How do you respond?
Here’s what always worked for me: No matter what your status–single and not dating, single and dating occasionally, or just hooking up–you can calmly tell your mother not to worry. Tell her when that things get serious with someone, she’ll know. And until then, she can assume that you’re just too overwhelmed to accurately report the number of men approaching you, asking for a date, and then enjoying your company over dinner and an Off-Broadway play. How could you possibly report all these endless details while shining at your full-time job, going to yoga classes 4-5 times a week, and meeting friends for tea and drinks? You’re a busy woman. And you have the attention of men everywhere. Your mother couldn’t handle all the excitement, even if it’s only second-hand. But you’re a good daughter; you’ll do your best to compile the specifics soon. Maybe next year.
Happy Easter Eggs and Matzo!