Let's be honest-

      Adult relationships are akward. As the child of divorced parents, I had grown used to thinking of my parents as nonsexual entities for the last 10 years. Mom was Mom and Dad was Dad and that was that. There never were and never would be any others. But recently, all that has changed. My dad has been seeing a new woman for sometime now (he sneakily has yet to specify the exact time), and much to my shame has gone on more dates with her than I've ever had with all of my boyfriends combined. It seems like every single weekend he's down there eating Indian food or visiting Chinese markets and coming back with bottles upon bottles of unreadable sauces and spices. And now, much to my alarm, he's started bringing her here. Into my small little world where its just him and me and my sister and nothing ever changes and parents don't date. To make it worse, he's even introduced her to both his parents! Are those wedding bells I hear....?
           I should probably mention here that I have nothing against the woman, don't get me wrong. She's a lovely Taiwanese computer programmer from Freemont whose the perfect age for my Dad. They seem to like the same things, and although her english can be dicey at times it never seems to be a problem. She's funny and smart and has good taste. Despite only meeting me a few times, she's even asked me for a christmas list with a rather large budget attached to it. She has a beautiful home, the silliest cat I've ever met and a son obsessed with legos. Last weekend, she introduced us to the wonders of home made hotpot. She really seems to be an excellent match.  
          And yet, I can't help but find faults with her. She's not pretty enough for my Dad, I tell myself as if it mattered. Or, she's too snobby, she's such a brand whore. Or she already has a kid, what would we do with him?? I don't want a dumpy, lego obsessed step brother!!  Clearly, it's what he finds attractive that's important and I know its not really up to me, but can't I want the best for my father? In some sort of Oedipal complex I'm sure, I happen to think my Dads rather good looking for an over-the-hiller. He's tall, and strong, and incredibly fit, not to mention the smartest guy I know. So when I look at her, I cant help but think she's just slightly above average. Clearly not good enough, I say! But then again, who would I think is good enough for my Dad? Deep down, do I even want my Dad to date?
       Nonsense, of course I do! Me and my sister have always secretly plotted behind his back that we would set him up by the time we moved out of the house. He's such a loveable guy he deserves to have someone to keep him company and fill his empty hours while we're gone. We just never figured it would happen so soon.
       So today as I sat through an uncomfortably long Ihop and movie date, I couldn't help but contemplate these things as I warily averted my eyes from the constant hand holding, ignored the snuggling, and acted like I didn't notice the stolen kisses in the rain. It seems like just yesterday it was my hand he was holding...