Well, in some European countries where populations have dipped, there has been an influx of immigrants, particularly from Islamic countries. This has caused some tensions to say the least. I for one, am interested in seeing my line carry on but not just now. Unfortunately, I have been in a position on more than one occasion to state that opinion when it mattered. Fortunately, my then-partners felt the same about their situations in life and so to my knowledge, I am not a father.

Kids are crazy expensive. I'm friends with a couple who had their first two kids in Vietnam and they saved a shitload of money. I think they've had one or two more recently, so I guess those savings are out the window. Anyway, the dad, (who is the same age as me) told me that he and his wife wanted kids early so that by the time the kids are out of college, they'll still be relatively young and probably be in a good position to decide what to do with the rest of their lives. Also, so that they'll be able to run around with the kids and be really involved in their lives, which does seem harder at a more advanced age.

That makes a lot of sense to me, but one's 20's are a gamble in so many ways. I'm nearing the end of mine and am doing what I can to set myself up for a better life down the line, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't in part because of the life choices of my friends who are not collectively known for making great long-term plans. Having a whole lot of fun and stories to tell? Yeah, but good stories often come at a cost and leave scars.

I don't fault people for not wanting kids. In some cases it makes a lot of sense. I'm friends with another couple that race motorcycles and like to party their asses off and go on expensive vacations. They're both more than a bit narcissistic and completely as in love with each other as they are with themselves. They're really great people and caring friends, so I don't mean to give them a bad rap, just saying.