I had felt similar feelings in the past, but mostly due to being afraid of commitment. I had been with my husband (then boyfriend) for several years until we got married. We talked about marriage and children very, very early in our relationship and he had asked me several times to marry him within the first 3 to 4 years. I always just smiled and had a nervous laugh.

We did end up marrying after being together for 6 to 7 years due to financial reasons. Yes, that's what ultimately let me get over my fear of commitment in that sense.

Funny thing now, we're expecting our first child. We were both on the fence, leaning more towards child free and we thought I was infertile. Didn't go to the doctor (stupid, yes) but we had been having unprotected sex for 5 years or so.

After finding out we were expecting, we were both shocked. I was more... disappointed than I thought I would be. I didn't blame my husband at all for the situation, but I was definitely salty and had a whole bunch of regrets. I realized though, that I'm really looking forward to starting a bigger family with him and making traditions. I'm now really looking forward to being a mother.

I didn't get to finish my degree due to having to move and when I was applying to transfer schools that's when we found out. I also realized during this time though that if I had waited like a lot of my friends are doing, I probably wouldn't ever have a child. Infertility does run in my family, especially beginning in the late 20's.

Overall, I'm really happy with our life. I didn't get to do a lot of things I wanted to do, but it doesn't mean I won't ever be able to do them, just that it'll be delayed a few years.

The bonus in this for me is that I'm really glad I won't be having a child under 18 in my 50's. My parents had me at an older age and always felt too tired to do anything, so I'm happy I shouldn't struggle with that.