hello men,
Im almost 51. will be retiring within a year with large enough portfolio to provide for my minimal needs.
marriage and kids. it has crossed my mind. I have parents in their 80s who have been married for over 60 years. I cannot be certain about the happiness in their relationship but they both seems content in their lives. mom and dad take care of each other in their own way. raised 4 kids and it all seemed to work out for them.
Ive always vetted my girlfriends multiple years so I can see them at their best and worst behavior both living together and not. dating, becoming monogamous, living together. so far at year 4 I get the itch and see beyond the sex, feelings and façade. the more time I get to know someone the more things I find that dont jive with my life. they tend to want to pursue their own lives and not follow the path I walk. I consider myself the leader, and being with a woman who cannot follow my lead is a frustrating and exhausting experience which I have no tolerance for anymore. when you can build your own empire and destiny by yourself; and have a partner who does counter productive actions, it makes you question the necessity of having relationships that destroy your life. if someone cannot bring value to your life in a way significant to you the leader, then why keep them around.
at 50, having a permanent partner and raising a family sounds very picturesque and would possibly provide some personal satisfaction, growth and new relationship(kids). it would give me the chance to create something, do something I have never done, shape a child into a successful person, build a family structure that could possible care for me in my old age.
the problem is that is a massive risk, which is statistically not in my favor. especially in western countries, perhaps even in third world countries. yes vetting helps, looking for red flag behaviors, looking for green flag behaviors, low body count etc.
I could live a life of hedonism and pooning in many countries and not live in canada. visit the world by myself and see all its wonders. fulfill the remaining goals I have. however a side of me has the delusion of living a little house on the prairie life. I kid you not.
as most of you can read, Im on the fence. logic keeps me grounded while feelings tempt me.