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I meant it more in the sense that the love and companionship between a single parent and their child could substitute for the love and companionship between a person and their partner.
I wasn't really thinking of the origin of such a situation. It wasn't really the point.
I don't think anyone should have children in order for that child to fulfill their emotional needs.
To have a child to give you what you are missing from an adult cannot be very healthy for the child.
To me, to raise healthy, happy children... you give, not take.
I don't think anyone should have children in order for that child to fulfill their emotional needs.
To have a child to give you what you are missing from an adult cannot be very healthy for the child.
To me, to raise healthy, happy children... you give, not take.
This is what I meant too. Also, when the person realizes this 'replacement' still doesn't do anything for that void, they will probably take out on the kid. Bottom line: there is no replacement for a love life. You either have one or you don't. If you don't, I guess that's just too bad then.
I just wanted to point out that the dynamics of the situation are much different, and are ever changing. Kids don't really get what needs their parents have....and by the time they do, they'll be forming relationships of their own, or moving to another part of the world.
I'm not saying that having kids isn't immensely satisfying...it is, it is just different than what one would experience with a partner.
Well. That is a very good point.
But from my perspective, I dated a single mother, and her child provided her with the companionship and love that she could have gotten from me. Enough so that she really didn't need me. Especially if it is a teenage child.
Yes. It's different. It's a lot more give, but having a child seems to take up a lot of your time and you don't really feel as lonely. That was the point as it relates to the OP.
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
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As the OP, I'll make this clear. Children are definitely h$&@ to the naw! Whether my creation or someone else's. That would be the worst thing I could do to myself.
Last edited by The Dissenter; 05-26-2012 at 09:13 PM..
It's entirely possible to be very happy without having a romantic relationship, either short or long term. Provided, of course, that you don't want one.
I have no desire to date, marry, be a relationship, have sex...any of it. I'm very happy with my choices.
But if you do desire these things, you probably won't be happy, or at the least you'll be happy but still feel you're missing something
As the OP, I'll make this clear. Children are definitely h$&@ to the naw! Whether my creation or someone else's. That would be the worst thing I could do to myself.
I didn't realize you were like 22 years old.
There's some people who are double your age or older and have given up on love or have never gotten any.
So, in that situation, you'd be quite lonely, not just frustrated, like you probably are.
After some self-reflection, I realize I may be too selfish to ever be happy in a romantic long-term relationship. So I think it may be best for me not to have a long-term SO. Hopefully I can have a few flings or some FWB situations. So let's have it, do you think someone can have a happy life without a long-term romantic relationship?
Yes, but for me I would rather be with someone who I'm in love with then several one night stands. I've been down that road & it's very lonely nor is it for everyone.
It's entirely possible to be very happy without having a romantic relationship, either short or long term. Provided, of course, that you don't want one.
I have no desire to date, marry, be a relationship, have sex...any of it. I'm very happy with my choices.
But if you do desire these things, you probably won't be happy, or at the least you'll be happy but still feel you're missing something
It is definitely possible to be single and not be in a relationship I have a couple of relatives and they have been single most of their lives and they seem happy. Both have never married or have any children. I however am single never married have no children and don't plan on having any am just not maternal and like my life the way it is at the moment am happy. Have dated in the past but no relationship and am happy with being single. It is the social norm to seek out a partner but life your life the way you want relationship or no relationship.
Not only is it possible, I would say romantic love makes a happy life virtually impossible.
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