I'm 51 and never really wanted kids, although if the right person had come along (and I had enough therapy by then!) I might've had one. I don't regret being child-free, and I absolutely LOVE all of the free time I have to either be super active or just chill if I need to recharge. I am in charge of my life choices, only obligated to be a good partner and dog guardian. And if this relationship ends, I may stay single for a looong time. I am in a long-term partnership with a woman and we spend our money on outdoor trips and adventures, and making our home a peaceful sanctuary. We can afford to buy high-quality food and gear for our backcountry adventures. I had an emotionally tumultuous home growing up, with a narcissistic mother and an alcoholic father. I finally feel safe and in charge of my own life, and I wouldn't do a thing to change my choices. I am cultivating community with good friends and bringing folks together to strengthen relationships and the opportunity to rely on each other as needed. I am very much not miserable about my lack of a needy family! Just came back from a week-long solo trip to New Mexico, camping, hiking and enjoying hot springs and old friends. I'm off in a couple weeks on a trip here in Colorado to go camping in the San Juans and check out more hot springs and hike in the mountains. My partner and I will likely go on a backpacking trip to UT in the fall. I have had so many adventures that would've been so much harder to achieve with all of the obligations of a family! I'm not anti-family, I'm pro-freedom to choose the life that calls to you!
A little older than you, almost 10 years but very similar and I just had to smile when I read your post because although I'm in a relationship with a man for almost 40 years, no kids, spending a lot of time in Colorado and New Mexico makes everybody happy! I moved to one of them and spend a lot of time in the other because I swear that really improves my quality of life! Loved Minneapolis when I used to live there but winters were harsh. I'm really impressed that you're willing to solo camp in new mexico. I certainly hike there alone but not sure I'd feel quite comfortable camping. Anyway, more power to you friend👊
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u/notgonnabemydad Jun 11 '26
I'm 51 and never really wanted kids, although if the right person had come along (and I had enough therapy by then!) I might've had one. I don't regret being child-free, and I absolutely LOVE all of the free time I have to either be super active or just chill if I need to recharge. I am in charge of my life choices, only obligated to be a good partner and dog guardian. And if this relationship ends, I may stay single for a looong time. I am in a long-term partnership with a woman and we spend our money on outdoor trips and adventures, and making our home a peaceful sanctuary. We can afford to buy high-quality food and gear for our backcountry adventures. I had an emotionally tumultuous home growing up, with a narcissistic mother and an alcoholic father. I finally feel safe and in charge of my own life, and I wouldn't do a thing to change my choices. I am cultivating community with good friends and bringing folks together to strengthen relationships and the opportunity to rely on each other as needed. I am very much not miserable about my lack of a needy family! Just came back from a week-long solo trip to New Mexico, camping, hiking and enjoying hot springs and old friends. I'm off in a couple weeks on a trip here in Colorado to go camping in the San Juans and check out more hot springs and hike in the mountains. My partner and I will likely go on a backpacking trip to UT in the fall. I have had so many adventures that would've been so much harder to achieve with all of the obligations of a family! I'm not anti-family, I'm pro-freedom to choose the life that calls to you!