"Oh, no," she resisted. "I haven't called to talk about how I'm doing. I have something more important that I need to discuss with you."
"And what would that be?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Dylan, as your mother, I constantly worry about you," she replied in a serious tone.
I let out a chuckle. "Mom, you just admitted that I'm doing quite well for myself. You don't have anything to worry about."
"Of course, your work life is excellent," she conceded. "But I meant your personal life. When are you going to settle down? You always used to tell me that you're too young for that, but now I think it's time that you find a partner to share the rest of your life with."
"I'm married to my work," I replied tartly. This wasn't a new conversation.