If your only child wanted to stay single forever...?

[Anonymous]

If you were the parents of your only child who was in his mid 20s and decided that he/she wants to remain single forever, how would you feel? What would you do? Would you talk to him/her? Have another child? Nothing? Other?

My dad wants me to find a girl and start a relationship, but I told him that I want to stay single forever. He was like "I hope you're kidding" in a serious tone. I said "No", and responded with "What are you gay?".
I can tell that he's upset but I just can't do anything about finding a girl and extending the life of my family. I tried and have given up.

[Anonymous]

I don't know why you are giving up. It's one thing to give up, and another to feel it isn't for you.
I have already been married and divorced. I never have wanted children. I will never give up on love but I don't worry about finding someone I suppose. I'm happy by myself without someone else dragging me down again.
My mother is happy I am an individual about not wanting kids. She hasn't any say on wanting to be single either a while or indefinitely. I will let it happen if it does, if not oh well. Perhaps easy to say now, not sure. But I'm fine being single.
Don't give up on it, that is silly. Follow your heart.
I won't be having children, but I'd be happy they are doing whatever makes them happy. I would not have children to make myself happy, so it wouldn't matter to me.

[udolipixie]

If your only child wanted to stay single forever?
Depends on her sexuality:
- If she's heterosexual I would think she's an extremely smart gal making a reasonable logical decision.

- If she's homosexual/bisexual I would be curious as to why she wouldn't want to be in a healthy happy relationship with another gal.

"I can tell that he's upset but I just can't do anything about finding a girl and extending the life of my family. I tried and have given up."
Egh you don't necessarily need to not be single to extend the life of your family as you can get an egg donor, surrogate mother, or adopt.

[Troian]

I think I ould be a bit disappointed somehow but keep hope. Though... in the mid 20s, you still have some time to change your mind. Though, at some point, your kid is old enough to make his own decision.

[kheserthorpe]

If he really wanted the line to continue he might have considered having more kids.

I have three kids. Two girls one boy. My son has developmental delays. So I do sometimes think he won't have kids, though who knows. Between the girls, I probably will have grandkids, but I'm the only son of an only son of an only son. So probably our family name ends with my family. I feel a tiny bit sad about that, but it doesn't really matter. I want my kids to be happy, that matters more. I hope they have kids if they want them, because they can really be an amazing thing in your life.

[Baummie]

If you want to stay single that cool or if you want to settle down thats cool.. you live once enjoy it matey what ever your future has planned for you.. font worry what other people might say or feel if your single there's plenty of people in this world to re populate it so don't worry if you don't want to settle down its not for everyone.. im single and I'm stay that way but thats my choice as i feel miss right is not out there for me. What ever you do matey its the right choice good luck hope this answers ypur question

[Metlahead]

There is a difference between actively making the decision to be single, and it simply not happening, despite effort. Are you saying that you've given up, however, if love falls into your lap, you will take it? Or will you reject it? Anyway, I've made the decision to never get married or have kids, which my parents aren't the happiest about, but they see my perspective, and respect my decision.

[Alessus]

Well in the hypothetical situation that I'll have a child and I'm still alive when he/she reaches 20, I don't think I'd react to it in any big way. I mean I am, at this very moment and much of my life, planned on not ever marrying or having children. So if my child would want to stay single for life, then I wouldn't critisize them for that. It's their own choice and not mine and I'm sure they'll make what seems to them as the best choice.

[sean1234]

I'm a single 31 year old and my brother is older than me and single also. I'm not saying I will always be that way because I dont. Just take your time, my dad believes my brother and I will get married eventually and so do I, it's just a matter of time.

-I have to admit, the "What are you gay?" comment was totally uncalled-for.

[menina]

I wouldn't be upset and I think it's not a big deal. He/she is an adult and therefore is responsible for his/her decisions.
I would talk to him/her just to understand his/her reasons.

[Hyped_up_on_coffee]

If i was really obsessed in carying the family line I would suggest he become a sperm donor. Then again you are in your mid 20's. And truth be told I dont even want kids

[jacquesvol]

I wouldn't see any problem if the child was in its in his mid 20s.
10 years later there might be one. Your dad is impatient to be granddad.
PS
Just ask yourself why you want to remain single.

[Anonymous]

Impregnating a woman does not require you to commit to her.

[sean1234]

What's that supposed to mean?

[Opinion Owner]

It means you have two issues here instead of one. Continuing your genetic line is as simple as impregnating a woman and helping her carry to term; you can do this as a surrogate donor. Being a father in a family unit is an entirely different problem. It's pretty clear you want the latter but you speak of the former as well as if they are connected. They are not. I make this point so you can tackle each problem separately.