Matty was almost 29 years old. All of his friends were already married, but Matty kept dating and dating.

Finally, one of his friends asked, “What’s the matter? Are you looking for the perfect woman? Can’t you find anyone who suits you?”

“No,” Matty replied. “I meet lots of nice girls, but as soon as I bring them home to meet my parents, my mother doesn’t like them. So I keep looking.”

The friend thought for a moment and said, “Why don’t you find a girl who’s just like your dear old mother?”

Several weeks later, the two friends met again.

“So, Matty,” the friend asked, “did you find that perfect girl—one just like your mother?”

Matty shrugged and said, “Yes, I did. She was just like Mum. My mother loved her, and they became best friends.”

“That’s great!” his friend said. “So… are you engaged?”

Matty sighed and replied, “I’m afraid not. My father can’t stand her.”