Thomas was 32 years old, fiercely single, and utterly exhausted from attending family gatherings. Without fail, his relatives would crowd around him, asking the same dreaded question: “Thomas, you’re a handsome, successful man. Why aren’t you married yet? Is it really that hard to find a woman who would make a good wife?”
Whenever his friends brought it up, Thomas would sigh and reveal his hidden struggle. “Look, it’s not that I can’t find anyone. Actually, I’ve found plenty of wonderful women I wanted to marry. But every single time I bring them home to meet the family, my mother absolutely hates them. No one is ever good enough for her boy.”
His best friend thought about the dilemma for a moment, stroked his chin, and offered a stroke of absolute genius. “Man, the solution is obvious. You just need to find a girl who is exactly like your mother. Look for someone with her same personality, her style, her hobbies, and her attitude. Your mom will instantly accept her!”
Thomas’s eyes lit up. It made perfect sense.
A few months passed before the two friends ran into each other again at a local pub. The friend immediately leaned in, eager for an update. “So, Thomas! Tell me! Did you take my advice? Did you find the perfect girl? More importantly, does your mother like her?”
Thomas stared down at his drink, wearing a massive, deeply troubled frown. “Yes,” he muttered. “I found her. She is the absolute spitting image of my mother. They talk exactly alike, they cook the same meals, and they even have the same laugh. My mother is absolutely obsessed with her. They’re best friends.”
The friend slapped him on the back, completely puzzled by Thomas’s miserable expression. “That’s amazing news, man! That’s a total victory! So, what on earth is the problem now?”
Thomas took a slow, painful sip of his beer and replied:
“My father can’t stand her.”
