I watched Ted walk across campus and I knew our relationship was over. I just needed to decide when and how I was going to be able to tell Ted. At one point, I had really liked him and wanted to let him down easy, but if things kept on how they were, that was easier said than done.
Ted was the ideal partner – smart, caring, empathetic, compassionate, blah blah blah. But – and it was a big but – he was the biggest mama’s boy I had ever met. At first, I had thought it was endearing he called his mom on a daily basis. After a while, it became infuriating. One time he had a headache and actually called his mother to see if it was ok if he took Advil. He even sometimes called to see what he should have for dinner because if she didn’t agree, she would go to hell and back to make sure he made something else. Even if he had to go to the store in a downpour.
I had held on to our relationship longer than I normally would because I was so fascinated and horrified by their relationship. I wanted to understand why she dictated every aspect of his life and why he let her. When Ted finally disappeared on the other side of campus, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to find Ted’s mom standing over me.
“Here’s how this is going to work,” she said, grinning.
Standing Room Only 