I appreciate that my post tickled you this way :) I think there are two differences between where you and I come from. First, you are talking about which thing

I appreciate that my post tickled you this way :) I think there are two differences between where you and I come from. First, you are talking about which things are possible. I agree all of the things you describe are possible - and happen sometimes. My assertion is that the kind of relationship you describe is exceedingly rare - and even more rarely happy - especially later in life. Second - my post is preconditioned on a values statement about the long term, which includes the desire of raising up a family into the next generation. That's a values thing, you don't have to buy into that, but empirically as people grow up, they either tend to find their way into having a family, or regret failing to do so. So yeah it's not the 50s and people can do whatever they want. But people still often chose to structure their life a certain way and attain what seems like better outcomes (I am talking about family formation) For what it's worth I also came from a broke home and as consequence it took me until almost 40 to find a path to a happy family life, but I am glad I did. I don't assert that I am a superior man, but I do feel great about having a family, and my ability to provide for my wife and kids is a part of that. My wife recently brought up cutting back on her work (she's an emergency room physician) and I am happy that that's an option I can help her materialize if she wants to.