Time to settle down?

LegacyUser

I'm 32. I've been wondering recently if peoples lives change dramatically when they decide to settle down and have kids etc.
I suppose what I'm asking is for people to comment on whether they wish they had settled down sooner, or wished they waited longer. If I get married and have kids will I look back wishing how I should have squeezed more out of the single life. I'm starting to feel more and more tired these days and am thinking about children more. Is there a time when people just have had enough and settle for whoever and 'make' it work?

Xiney

You shouldn't do something just because you feel it's expected of you.

And it's almost 100% guaranteed you'll wish every once in a while that you were free, single, without responsibilities when you're settled down. Same as when you're free, single and without responsibilities you wish you were stable, and had someone to go home to every night and (possibly) look somewhat longingly at the adorable kids running around in the park. Or at least the dogs running around in the park :P

The thing is, you will always see green grass on the other side of the fence. But if you jump over it just because everyone else is, you may find yourself regretting that decision because you didn't make it for yourself.

CathyMoran

Personally I wish that I had got married sooner, but I was with my husband on and off all that time...if I had not met the him then there would have been no point. You have plenty of time - you should never "settle" when you "settle down", it has to be the right person.

stiff kitten

im 22 and often think about settling down and getting on with things...i think its an individual decision and you know when you're ready...dont just settle down with the first nut you kinda like because you want to settle down...socialise more and seek out "THE ONE"....
good luck:)

This

my oh is 32 and has no plans on settling down and starting a family...... at the end of the day you dont really decide you wanna get married bye a house have kids. never settle... wait for the one who takes your breath away, who you cant help thinking about spending the rest of your life with.


I fear this 'settling' business is the reason for the high divorce rates.....

NiamhEile

I think no matter when you do it (settle down with someone and have kids) you'll ALWAYS feel you could've squeezed just a bit more out of single life and freedom! Myself and my partner were only together one month when I found out I was pregnant. Luckily, we are made for each other and everything turned out great (touch wood!) and we had twins, a son and daughter, but yes of course we both wish we had more time together before we had them, more freedom to go places etc. But over-all, we wouldn't change a thing. I think it happens when it's meant to happen. Women feel more urgency as their clocks tick. Men need a kick up the arse by a woman feeling this urgency! They do not hear their clocks tick, seeing as they can procreate all their lives! If you are in love with someone and feel it is the right time for you both, then do it. If you have doubts then ask yourself why and what's stopping you. I am 23, and of course I miss my free young life, but I wouldn't swop what I have now for the world. The love you feel for your babies and partner (true love!) is incomparable. And life doesn't have to change utterly.