Dear Massi, I am tired of my parents trying to set me up with the perfect man.

They keep talking to the parents of the guy’s behind my back and then tell me to just meet him once over dinner.

I just go along with it as I can’t handle the emotional blackmail.

One of the guys conveniently forgot his wallet.

Another time a guy got a phone call saying there was a work emergency. It was so obvious it was a fake call.

Another guy kept texting his girlfriend the entire time over dinner. I asked him why he was so distracted. 

He said he was only on the dinner to keep his parents happy as they wouldn’t approve of his girlfriend.

In the last dinner meeting before we even ordered I went to use the toilets, and when I returned he had left.

I’m 36 years, and really, I am too old for this nonsense.

I’m not particularly interested in getting married, but my parents are hearing all sorts of taunting comments from their so called friends.

How can I strike a balance and not offend my parents?

Massi says, It is extremely discouraging if you have experienced a series of bad dates.

However, from your parent’s perspective, they are only trying to help you meet someone.

As flawed as you find the process to be, their intention is coming from a sincere place.

Rather than enduring any further meetings of this nature, explain to your parents that you do not want to put pressure on yourself to get married.

Tell them that their help has been appreciated, but you would prefer to take a break from being introduced to potential husbands.

Reassure them that if you meet someone of your own accord, you will include them in your decision making.