I let out a weary sigh as I watched my mom march into the living room, arms loaded with a stack of magazines. I knew what was coming next. It was our usual routine - the one where she'd bug me about my love life and try to set me up with her friend's son or some random guy she heard about.

"Mom," I called out, trying my best to keep my patience in check. "I need to talk to you about something important."

She placed the magazines carefully on the coffee table, then settled into the couch and looked up at me. "What's on your mind?"

I hesitated for...