Married for 3 years, wife doesn't want to have kids. I do. What's next?[Serious]

So, your most painful options are obviously (1) divorce your wife and marry someone who wants kids or (2) give up on having kids.

The most ideal for you, and least realistic option, is to convince your wife to want kids. This will require communication, which, if you got married to someone who apparently has entirely different plans than yourself, you probably aren't very good at. Start off slow, bit direct. Ask her if she really wants to adopt some day, or is just using those excuses to put it off in hopes that you change your mind. If she does not want kids, ask for her reasons: does she not like children? Hates the financial and emotional responsibility? Unless she absolutely does not want kids, you may be able to address these issues with her.

For example, my fiance sort-of wanted children but resisted as she felt obligated to have them. When we started dealing with this issue, she started working in retail, which has exposed her to a constant stream of loud, bratty children. Naturally, her desire for children quickly dried up. I, however, have been trying to expose her to the polite, well-behaved children. This, coupled by reinforcing the fact that the decision is her choice and not an obligation that society or her parents can force upon her, is making making her more open to the possibility.

Importantly, we are discussing this now and have been since our relationship became serious. I have accepted the fact that I may not have children, as she is more important to me. Your comment ("she seemed to agree at the time") indicates to me that you and your wife did not put much effort into this issue before marriage. It sounds like she gave a half-hearted assent that you took for confirmation and then both of you ignored the issue rather than discuss it. I say this not to judge you, but to prevent you from repeating your mistake. Do not put it off again, as her comments indicate she may be trying to do.

/r/AskReddit Thread