I fall into the former category. I'm in my 40s and don't have any children. I totally get the sense of comfort and joy that comes with raising a family. There are definitely times where I feel that FOMO of not having a kid when I was younger and being able to see them grow up. And that sense of security of knowing there will be someone there when I get old and senile to take care of me.

OTOH I've seen so many miserable marriages. I have yet to see a married w/kids lifestyle that doesn't make me thank my lucky stars I'm not in that position. That amount of responsibility seems very suffocating.

It might be a product of not being in committed relationships, but I hold the ability to make my own decisions and be flexible in high regard. When you have a family, that all gets thrown out the window. Who you marry is who you are. If you pick an ambitious, driven partner, welp, that's going to be your life path till death do you part. Or if you are with a free spirited laid back partner, you will have to deal with that for the rest of your relationship.

I know both sides like to think whatever rational the other side gives for their choice is cope, but it's not that simple.

I guess the key to success (feeling content or as close to it as is possible) is to make either life choice work for you.

40 year old bachelor, no kids? What a pointless existence.

Rather be shackled to a wife srs.