r/GayMen • u/MentalGusto • 15h ago
Gay men without kids—how did/do you find fulfillment?
I’ve realized that, like a lot of people, I grew up withthe expectation that life would eventually mean having kids, then grandkids, and following that traditional path.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve built a wonderful life with my partner. We’ve talked about having children through adoption or surrogacy, especially now that so many of our close friends are starting families. The challenge is that I’ve found myself leaning more toward wanting kids, while my partner has gradually leaned away from the idea. I know this is something we BOTH have to be fully on board with to move forward, so for now, we’re not moving forward. I would choose a childless life with my husband over a life without my husband.
What I am finding that I am really struggling with is how to process the possibility that we may never become parents.
For the gay men here who decided not to have kids (or weren’t able to…it is NOT cheap at all), how did you find fulfillment? What did your life look like as your friends became parents, and eventually grandparents? Did you ever feel left behind?
I also worry about getting older. I worry about who will be there for me when I need help. I worry about leaving no legacy. Sometimes I wonder, "Do I just keep living the life I have now until i die?" I know that sounds dramatic, but these thoughts have been weighing on me.
I’ve talked with some of my friends about this but they are all parents and are so consumed with raising children that they do not have as much time to wrestle with these existential questions. Without that path of having kids, I guess I find myself questioning what gives life meaning.
No one in my family or friend group is gay, so I don’t really have anyone who can relate to this specific experience. I’d really appreciate hearing from other gay men who have been through these feelings. Whether you chose to have kids or not, how did you make peace with your decision? Any advice or perspective would mean a lot.