Why your parents want you to get married so badly

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Do your parents put pressure on you to get married? Welcome to the club that is most single people. Whether you’re in a relationship but just not married, or single as could be, your parents might make a lot of comments about “your future husband,” “when you’re married,” or “at your wedding.” They might also say things like, “I assume you won’t be needing a plus one for the event.” These comments can feel hurtful because it seems like your parents are pointing out something offensive–like the idea that you’re unlovable. And that can’t be true because THEY love you! So what’s this all about? Why do parents love to put the pressure on their kids to tie the knot? We will tell you. Here is why your parents want you to get married so badly.

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So you can afford a house

With the way the housing market is going, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to afford a house on your own. At least with two combined incomes, you may stand a chance at finally moving out of that neighborhood your parents worry is unsafe and into the suburbs.

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So they can travel without you

If you’re totally single, then your parents probably forego Christmas cruises and anniversary getaways because they feel bad leaving you in the dust on these days.

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So you’ll stop calling so much

Really, it’s so much. If you’re someone who calls her mom every time you’re in the car, standing in line somewhere, or walking your dog, your mom probably wants a break but just can’t say it. She wants you to find someone else to be your go-to for time-killing phone calls.

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So their friends will stop the setups

Your parents are running out of excuses to tell their friends when they try to suggest setups for you. Really, you have no idea how many setups your parents have protected you from.

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Their parents blame them

Your grandparents are pressuring your parents to pressure you to get married! Hey, some annoying family behavior gets passed down.

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The grandbabies

Your parents want grandbabies! They’ve lived in an empty nest long enough, maybe they’re retired and they need some excitement in the house.

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So they know they didn’t mess you up

Your parents secretly worry that it’s they’re fault your single–that they somehow messed you up and made you incapable of having a serious relationship.

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They’re tired of meeting new boyfriends

Your parents are getting pretty tired of having to meet new boyfriends three or four times a year. They can’t pretend to be interested in one more young man’s business idea.

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So you’ll stop borrowing money

Even if you rarely need money, when you do, you go to your parents. They’d rather you put that burden on somebody else.

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Someone can care for you when you’re sick

Your parents just want to make sure you’re well taken care of. They want to make sure somebody brings you soup when you’re sick and drives you to the doctor.

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You can better afford their retirement community

Hey, they know that you can better afford the luxury retirement community for them with two incomes rather than one.

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To show off the wedding

Let’s be real: the wedding day is for the parents. It’s when they get to show their friends and family what a gorgeous wedding their money can buy and how well adjusted their kid turned out.

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They married young

Your parents married young–it’s just what their generation did. You may say you’re only 30 but to them, that’s like being single at 45.

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To make sure he will stay

Your parents honestly just want to make sure your boyfriend isn’t going anywhere. They can’t know for sure until he puts a ring on it.