Why Tho? Mom sees a great future for her bright son, but no future in his current relationship

Dear Lizzy,

My brilliant son is 21 and starting graduate school, and has his whole life ahead of him. And yet…he is dating the most unambitious, wet blanket of a man. “Man” is a strong word, actually. He’s also very young, 21. But while my son seems to have a clear path ahead of him, this guy is content to skateboard to his barista job and mooch on our family vacations. I try to be nice to him, but when I see him, I just see a future of disappointment for my son.

Mopey Mom

Dear Mopey Mom,

Congratulations on helping your son make it so successfully to adulthood! I have a 6-year-old, so getting to 21 seems like an epic achievement.

Now, this boyfriend situation. Look, 21-year-olds, even the most brilliant, are still working with underdeveloped brains. They are still figuring out who the