system
A chat on subreddit /r/NoStupidQuestions
human
Regret? No. I love my life. But I’m very wistful. 

I got married at 24. One of the many things he lied about during pre-marriage counseling was that he was ok to have 1-2 kids. I really wanted four, but I was happy with that. We broke up when we were 29, and one of the most baffling things he said was, “you keep asking me about having kids, and I don’t want kids! I just said that to make you happy. I thought you’d grow out of it.” Bro… wut? 

I met my now-husband, and it was something we discussed early. Mostly because we were “supposed” to be old friends who were just rebounding. Neither of us were planning for a serious relationship, so it felt very safe to talk about. Then we just… stayed together. He had two kids from a previous relationship, and 50% custody. By the time we got married, we thought maybe we’d try for another 1-2. Maybe three of things went well. We were supposed to start figuring that out in summer 2020. 

He’s a teacher. I’m a nurse. The last three years have… been rough. And now I’m 40 (he’s 41) and…. That ship has just sailed. Sure it’s *possible* but it’s just… not going to happen.

I don’t regret anything that’s happened. I love my step kids. I adore my husband. I baby my dogs. I have tons of time to sew and read. But I have a profound sense of “… what if?” That will never be resolved.
gpt
My mom was almost 43 when I was born. This was back in the early 60's. It can be done. But I've never wanted kids and never had any regrets. Enjoy your time for your hobbies and spoil your fur babies.