There are many things that can be deal breakers when it comes to relationships, and finding yourself involved with a mama's boy can be a pretty high contender.
But while they definitely pose a challenge, someone who loves and respects their mom as much as they do is bound to love and respect their partners too. So it might be worth sticking around...
However, you definitely deserve a little more credit for dealing with an overbearing mother.
Here's a list of the daily struggles you might face while dating a mama's boy:
1. He will never truly be independent.
No matter how old he is, she will always come over -- probably unannounced -- to cook, clean and do laundry for him, all the while making snide little comments about how he must be "starving" without her.
This of course will go completely unnoticed by your SO, who will just smile and push past you to kiss her on the cheek. Don't mind us.
Let's not forget though, that this is if you're lucky and have managed to find one who has actually left the nest already, otherwise good luck trying to get him to move away from all those mommy home comforts.
2. He'll never believe anything unless his mom tells him so.
This could be as simple as you telling him how to cook a piece of pork right or booking a vacation. If it's not how mom would have done it, it's not right.
And that's not to mention the tough stuff like investments and buying a place together. If she doesn't know and approve of the neighborhood, you can kiss that apartment you love so much goodbye.
3. She will try and control your life now too.
No matter if you get him -- by some miracle -- to agree with you about where to live, or you simply give in and choose an apartment that's "mom approved," don't just assume you'll be able to decorate it how you want.
Get ready for enough pink frilly curtains and porcelain ornaments to make Professor Umbridge content.
4. He thinks your taste is her taste.
On that note, it won't be long until he starts to assume you both like the same things, which of course means matching Christmas presents. *Sigh.*
Obviously it is the thought that counts and you love him for that, but how many left out jewelry catalogues and web pages can one man miss?
5. She will always have the final say.
No matter the topic, mommy will always have the final say. Even if you manage to get him to see your point behind closed doors, just one phone call with dear old mommy and you'll be set to swap your romantic Paris getaway for two with a family vacation.
Because obviously, it's easier to say no to you than it is to her.
6. You'll never be able to avoid the comparisons.
I am sure these mama's boys don't do it on purpose, but it's impossible for them to not look at the woman they have chosen to share their life with and compare them to their mothers.
Whether it's the detergent you use (If you're nice enough to even do his laundry that is, because why should you?), the way you cook your eggs or the way you talk to him in the morning, he'll always be quick to tell you that mom does it differently.
You know, just in case you want to morph into her anytime soon.
7. He'll always have to have his own way.
There is no person more stubborn than a mama's boy.
Being so used to getting his own way with no qualms from mom, he'll struggle to understand why that treatment isn't extended to your relationship too.
With a little bit of patience, you might be able to get him to understand why it's important to compromise, but if you have a short fuse, it might be time to say goodbye and find a more independent fella'.
8. You'll never be able to make a joke about his mom.
No seriously, never ever. His mom is his entire world and he'll see any joke made at her dispense, a personal dig and will not be able to let it go -- no matter how much you reassure him you like her.
It's just not worth it. Keep your mouth shut and send it to the girls chat instead; they'll give you the laughs you deserve.
9. He texts her more than he texts you (and doesn't think that it's weird).
Ever get home from work and wonder why you've hardly heard from your SO all day? Only for him to tell you he's been "crazy busy" and hasn't had chance to look at his phone all day? Haven't we all.
But of course if you saw his inbox you would see that he's not been "too busy" to respond to his mom earlier this afternoon. My advice, don't even bother confronting him about it, he'll just look at you blankly and say, "but that's my mom, that doesn't count.
*Sigh*
10. He'll call her about every little thing.
If you ever ask him to do any household task, he'll make at least five phone calls to his mom to make sure he is doing it right – that's if she doesn't just come over and do it for him.
11. He will lack drive.
It's only natural for somebody who has had things handed to them their whole life to struggle to understand the importance of hard work. It isn't necessarily his fault, but then again it isn't yours either, so why should you suffer because of it?
The best way to get him out of this bad habit is try to guide him in the right direction with support and encouragement.
There is nothing more infuriating than someone who just expects good things to happen for them with no effort. He needs to get out of this awful habit in order to succeed in life – and to keep hold of your relationship.
12. He becomes unbearable when he's sick.
We all know that man flu is a very real thing, but when he's a mama's boy, it's so much worse. And no matter how much you try and make him feel better, you won't be doing it right. It won't be long until his mother is over making soup and complaining about the lack of housework you seem to do.
The best thing to do when man flu strikes is leave them to it. That way, you don't have to deal with him whining about being sick and he gets his "mom time" without you having to take the brunt of her judgment.
You're way too fabulous for phlegm and snot anyway.
But in the end, despite all their challenging characteristics, there's no doubt that a mama's boy knows how to dote on the women in his life. And that's something special to hold on to.
