There are two types of men - those who are suited to marriage and family life, and those who aren't. If you're the second type, never get married. If you are the first type, only get married to someone who is so good that you can't live without them. That requires: i) you get a viagra-strength boner within a few seconds of seeing her ii) she is a filthy slut in bed, and willing to do any sexual fantasy you care to try iii) she is of child-bearing age, no prior kids, and in good health iv) she is not irresponsible - no drug habit, gambling habit, large debt etc v) her mother looks pretty good for her age, and both parents like you and are good fun to talk to vi) your core values are compatible: kids, religion, politics, meaning of life etc vii) you both want to have kids viii) your arguments are infrequent, mild, and you make up quickly ix) she doesn't nag you except when you are a lazy idiot and deserve to be nagged at x) you have been together at least 1 year, and the sex is still frequent and good If all these boxes are ticked, then you may have met someone you can get married to. Otherwise, forget it.
That is a awesome point life is to easy. If I'm hard wired to be doing hard labor and I'm sitting at home playing with kids all day maybe something short circuited in my brain.
it don't last long, we had three in diapers in three years, just going to the grandparents house was like being on the road crew for Led Zeppelin. They grow out of that stuff, and then it is just pretty much driving, here there everywhere. HS graduation day and then things start getting back to normal, it is just you and them and your checkbook. Now I kind of like it when they call and say, "Hey Dad, how are you?"
Interesting article from today "10 things your marriage counselor won't tell you." http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10...or-wont-say-2012-08-20?mod=MKTW_ALL&link=sfmw
I wish I would have gone to one when my wife first asked to. Number one, I didn't want to spend the money Number two, I was scared when the counselor finally heard the whole story they would say, "You guys just aren't cut out for each other."
putting stocks in kids account makes the mom happy... could be more great advice. I had not thought of that.