Sitting in my office recently when my boss walks in from vacation. He’s very happy. Comes up to me and bubbles, “Did you hear that my son is engaged??” I say yes and congratulate him. He also explains that the wedding is in early June.

Then things get weird.

He gets right up to me, does the avuncular hand-on-the-shoulder thing, and says quietly: “When are you getting married? It’s about time you did it.”

Keep in mind I’m single. I’m also in my mid-20s with a doctorate. So I’m a little surprised he thinks “it’s time.”

I say that it’s not going to happen any time soon. I even joke that I might just stay a bachelor.

He gets a little excited. “No, you don’t want that!! My son’s only 23, so it looks like he’s got you beat already. He’s doing things right.”

A self-satisfied smile.

“But it’s not too late for you — after all, I got engaged at your age.”

I chuckle a little and thank him for telling me, and he goes on his way.

This is the same guy who, when I ask him what his weekend plans are, literally says “Whatever my wife tells me they are.” The only activities his wife allows him to do independently are the occasional bike ride and a bit of reading before bed.

You can’t make this stuff up. Why is it that the people who are most miserable in marriage are the most eager to get everyone else to do it?