In "Dates from Hell" by Kelley Armstrong, a conversation reveals a character's frustration with his mother's matchmaking efforts, specifically blind dates with unsuitable candidates. The dialogue highlights the tension between expectations and reality in their relationship, suggesting that the mother's choices reflect a lack of affection or understanding toward her child.

As the character reacts with humor, indicated by the twitch of his mouth, it becomes clear that this situation is not just about dating but also about familial dynamics. The quote emphasizes how parental actions can inadvertently highlight the distance or complications in a mother-child relationship.