Every family dinner is a quest. “You’re so beautiful, why alone?”

I reply: “Because I’m beautiful.”

Mom sighs. I eat salad and think: marriage isn’t a grocery run.

Yes, I want a relationship. But not just “anyone.” I want someone beside whom I don’t have to shrink.

While Mom searches among her friends’ sons, I build my career, do yoga, and buy myself flowers.

One day I might bring someone worthy home. Or maybe just dessert)) Either way — it’s my choice.