Person offers stranger $1000 to be ‘needy’ mother-in-law’s date to wedding in brutal ad

One person is so desperate for a wedding date they’ve posted an personal ad for the role — except they’re not actually the one in need of a companion. Instead, they’re seeking someone to accompany their “needy” mother-in-law.

“Wedding Date Wanted for Mother-in-Law,” reads the advertisement , which was posted to the Hudson Valley, New York “talent gigs” section on Craigslist. (The Hudson Valley is about an hour north of New York City — otherwise known as prime wedding territory.)

“I’m looking for a wedding date for my mother-in-law from Friday evening to Saturday evening for a wedding in Hudson Valley in August,” it begins. “She needs constant attention and supervision. She will probably wear white and try to escalate small dramas - your job is simply to distract and de-escalate. Flatter her for 2 days and make an easy $1,000.”

Indeed, the anonymous Craigslister is offering $1,000 — or approximately £700 — for the two day long stint. They will also provide background information, conversation topics, a private hotel room, food, and cover travel expenses.

While it sounds like a pretty great deal, there are a long list of qualifications required for consideration. Per the ad, the potential date date must be a “conversationalist,” “de-escalator,” and “good-dancer,” while “experience with narcissists” is a plus. But mainly, the poster reiterates the importance being “able to pretend you happen to be a guest interested in sitting/dancing with [mother in law] and “give her your undivided attention.” It’s also required that the guest falls between the ages of 40 and 60, and brings their own suit to wear.

The prerequiesites haven’t deterred any Reddit users, however. “The pay is more than okay and he’s honest. Hell, I’d take the job. 10/10 advertising,” one user said in reply. “I’m a woman and I’d do it,” another chimed in.

“I deal with crazy family members for far less every week, so I would definitely be down for this,” a third Redditer noted; why not get paid for it?

However, others aren’t quite so thrilled by the prospect. “If it’s paid hourly, I agree,” they explained. “Otherwise, hell no. I’m not dealing with someone who will clearly cause a scene, at a wedding, that I’m in no way invested in, just for a measly grand.”

That said, the majority ruled that this opportunity was well worth it. “1000 [plus] open bar?” one queried. “I’ll jump on that grenade.”

Good luck to everyone involved.