[rubecube]

On the heels of my other thread, I kind of thought I'd drag something else up. I know a lot of CPers are married and/or have kids and I'm wondering what made you make that decision?

As 23 year-old man, living in the prime of my life, I can't even fathom the idea of being a father. I love that I have the ability to drop everything without notice and go on a booze-fueled romp to Vegas, so long as I have the funds to do it. I like that I can take my girlfriend to a movie and not worry about getting a sitter. I also enjoy not having to fork over a good chunk of my money to clothe, feed and entertain children.

I have kind of the same thoughts on marriage (well known, I know). Hell, for years I didn't even like the idea of being tied down in a relationship, and still don't sometimes. I had a girlfriend when I was 15, broke up with her 6 months later, and then didn't have another girlfriend until I was 21. I still maintain that I had a lot more fun when I was single. It's easy to have fun when you don't have obligations.

So what am I missing out on with kids and/or marriage? This isn't my attempt to be smug or anything like that. I'd like to hear both sides of it. I don't really ever plan on having kids and have considered the ol' snippity-snip in the past, but figured my attitude could change down the line.

Single-folk can chime in too. Do you guys wish you had a long-term relationship/kids? Is that a goal in the future? Why? Etc...