Why do some parents try to set their kids up with someone?

[Anonymous]

This is why I don’t bring my guy friends over because my parents keep asking them if they have girlfriends.

One guy friend that had a huge crush on me for years according my some of my classmates, best friends my parents even know he likes me and one time my dad asked him if he had a girlfriend and pouting at me that I wouldn’t make a great girlfriend and I’m smart.
My guy friend joked that I was his girlfriends and my dad was like is all good and he got himself a good woman.

What did that mean we’re dating and I can’t flirt with other guys. We’re not dating.

My mom asked if I’ve talked to my guy friend and I said he texted me three weeks ago and I told them we’re just friends. If he really likes me he would text or call me every day. I’m not complaining because I only see him as a friend.

[Oliverlogan263]

Ugh, that's so annoying that your parents keep trying to set you up with your guy friends! It's like they just can't mind their own business when it comes to your love life.

I get that they probably just want you to be happy and think your guy friends would be a good match. But it's so embarrassing when they start asking them about girlfriends and hinting that you should be together. That's not their call to make!

It's super weird that your dad was even pouting about you not being girlfriend material or whatever. Like, who does he think he is? Just because you're smart doesn't mean you can't also be a great girlfriend. That's such a messed up thing to say.

And then the whole thing with your other guy friend, where your dad was acting like they were already dating? That's just plain awkward. You're right, just because your friend joked about it doesn't mean you're actually a couple. Your parents need to chill and stop trying to push these relationships.

I totally understand why you don't want to bring your guy friends around. It's gotta be so uncomfortable having your parents interrogating them and hinting that you should date. That's just crossing a line, in my opinion.

I know they're probably just trying to look out for you, but they need to back off and let you figure out your own love life. It's not their place to be setting you up or making assumptions. That's your business, not theirs.

Hang in there, girl. Don't let them get you down. Just keep doing you and dating who you want to date. Your parents will hopefully get the hint eventually and lay off. In the meantime, don't be afraid to set some boundaries with them. You got this!

[Anonymous]

Parents often try to set their kids up with someone due to a combination of factors: a desire for their child's happiness and companionship, cultural or familial expectations around marriage and relationships, and sometimes, a belief that they have a better understanding of who would be a suitable partner. Your parents' behavior, like asking your guy friends about girlfriends and your dad's comments, likely stems from these motivations, even if it comes across as awkward or unwanted. His joking acceptance of your friend's comment might have been an attempt to be lighthearted, but it doesn't mean you're actually dating. Your mom's continued inquiries suggest they're still hoping you'll pursue a romantic relationship with him, despite your clear statements that you're just friends.