I would join the concensus about the status of your relationship. The sad part is, that the "mother" is question may not even be the lady's real mom, but a surrogate. I remember the first time I came to China, I was to meet a surrogate mom in Beijing, but the woman wouldn't allow that lady to meet me at the airport, didn't approve of the hotel and then went off on me that I was a stupid, disrespectful westerner, with no knowledge of Chinese history or culture. Ironically, I believe I know more Chinese musical instruments than that woman and I know I have read more Chinese literature than her, as I made references to a couple points in the Three Kingdoms Romance and she went off on a different tangent. More likely she was just looking to bash me.
When I did finally get to meet the lady I came to meet in Handan, it was another surrogate mother, this one liked me. That helped matters along, until I met the real parents, who had been talking with the charming Beijing 'mother'.
Ironically, the first Handan "mother" I met, was my wife's grandmother. I believe she had an idea at that point if things went the way of the dodo for my first trip. Which is fine, her sneaking around and conning the agency to violate privacy status got me married.
Best of luck and just get out and talk to people is the best thing. You never know when Cupid is gonna prod one of those women in your direction.
As for the younger generations. In the north, I know they are tending to argue with their parents more about relationships. They may or may not give to their parents will, but I definitely see more Christmas decorations in the winter than anything else. I think it depends on the individual family and in some cases, if mama really wants her daughter to suffer or to find happiness. In our case, mama is tickled pink knowing that if I raised a hand to my wife, my mother would kill me.
Lloyd
