I always thought I wanted to get married and have kids but spending time around family members who did makes me question my wants. Is this normal?

[Anonymous]

I always felt like a bit of a failure because I've only been in one relationship that lasted two months while my cousins and siblings have always dated and many have recently started families. I used to be a bit envious but as time went on, I realized I wouldn't trade places with any of them. They seem less satisfied with life and more stressed and have less time and energy to really enjoy life. Is this strange? Does it suggest I might be selfish.

[Anonymous]

You aren’t selfish. It’s not wrong to not want a family, at least for now. You’re thinking ahead of time, there are many parents that aren’t ready to be parents mentally or financially and have kids anyways. Each situation has its stresses. Being single has its stresses like how you once like a failure and having a family also has its stresses except once you have a family everything is irreversible. So you have to chose your partner wisely. Another thing I learned is that society will paint a picture of what’s acceptable but soon you’ll realize everything that requires keeping up with the Joneses is an additional responsibility (+stress). Dogs take time and money, new car take a chick or money, etc.

[Colin234234]

I think so