[Marlow]

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That is very telling, and your post nails that home. I never understood it for me: now I understand it for other people.

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Thanks. Your post and others have reassured me that at least my op has some valid emotional content.

Another thing that's quite clear for me is that parenthood is not for everyone. Not only is raising a kid difficult, but it's the biggest commitment a person could make (aside from the decision to die, I suppose). I have great respect for people who know themselves well enough to recognize that parenting isn't for them. There are soooo many people who have kids for all the wrong reasons. Man, It's painful to watch these families interact.