A person's relationship status can be a source of intrigue for their relatives, as they debate whether or not their ranks could be increasing by one in the near future.
That's why Christmas can be a difficult time for single people - especially those who don't want to inform their parents (and the rest of their extended family) that they have no one to kiss under the mistletoe this year.
But if you're single and reading this, take comfort in the knowledge that you're not this guy, who was hilariously trolled by his own mom in a brutal text exchange in the lead-up to the holidays.
Adem Waterman, who lives in London, recently received a WhatsApp message from his mom asking whether or not she should address his Christmas card to just him or him and a special someone.
When he explained that it was just him this year, she questioned: "Do you think it's your personality or looks?"
Now that's one way to destroy someone's confidence over the festive season...
He posted a screenshot of the hilarious exchange on Twitter where it has since gone viral.
Related - This single woman is already planning her wedding:Alongside an embarrassed emoji, he captioned it: "MUM. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU TOO."
However, it wasn't long before the post inspired other Twitter users to share their own similar horror stories.
One person wrote: "I phoned my Nanna once after yet another job rejection. She said 'Do you think it's because you're past your best?'.
"I was 39."
Another wrote: "When I phoned my gran to tell her I'd given birth to a baby girl and I was naming her Violet, my gran said, 'Oh, I won't write that name on the card in case you change your mind'.
"And she didn't. The card said Baby."
Meanwhile, a third person decided to share their family's tactless comments when they observed that they'd lost some weight.
They said: "My family are also savage! I have recently lost weight and got the following 'compliments'
"1: Where is your belly? 2: Your face isn't round anymore 3: Bet it's easier to get around without that weight. I think they mean well."
So, if you happen to have a family like this, godspeed over the holiday season. Godspeed.
