Authors often use mother-son relationships to create tension or explain a character's romantic failings. Enmeshment:

The son does not need to choose between them. He needs to learn that loving a partner is not a betrayal of his mother. And the mother’s greatest arc is often letting go—not losing her son, but gaining the peace of seeing him love well.

The intersection of mother-son relationships and romantic storylines is a recurring theme in literature and psychology, often exploring the "Oedipus complex"—where a son’s intense attachment to his mother interferes with his adult romantic life. The following works and concepts highlight this dynamic: Key Literary Works

Consider Bridgerton (Netflix). In Season 2, Anthony Bridgerton’s romance with Kate Sheffield is almost destroyed by his toxic relationship with his mother, Violet. Violet, a Wounded Mother (widowed), has parentified Anthony, making him the Viscount and head of the family. He confuses romantic passion with duty. Kate’s role is not to replace Violet, but to liberate Anthony from his obligation. She says, in essence, "I love you, but I will not compete with your mother for your soul."