Ethical dilemma #003
Would you start a relationship with someone who does not want children when you do?
You really like someone you can talk to about anything. Before starting a relationship, they tell you they do not want children, while you do.
Related reflectionUnderstanding Each Other Does Not Mean Wanting the Same Life↗What would you do in this situation?
Choose an answer before continuing.
The context
You have spent two months getting to know someone you can talk to about anything. They listen, share your sense of humor, and you enjoy every meeting. You both want to start a relationship.
Before deciding, they tell you they do not want children, now or in the future. You do want to become a parent someday. It is not an immediate decision, but neither wants to give up the life they imagine. They suggest trying anyway because one of you might change your mind. If you accept, you could have a good relationship for a while. You could also grow deeply attached and later discover that one of you would need to give up an important wish to continue.
A perspective to continue
Feeling understood does not mean wanting the same life. Which difference could you accept, and which would require one of you to give up something important?
04
What your decision prioritizes
You give the affection that already exists a chance. You might build hopes for a future neither of you is willing to share.
You take what you both said seriously. You pass up a relationship that might have been valuable, even if it did not last forever.
You try to understand how firm your wishes are. A conversation does not guarantee you can resolve the difference.
How other people responded
Percentages will appear after enough responses have been collected.
0 recorded decisions
05
The other person explains that they already ended a previous relationship over this same difference. They do not expect to change their mind about having children.
Now that you know this, would you keep your decision?
Keep my decision
The new information does not change what you had decided. Consider whether your original reasons still hold in light of what you have just learned.
Change my decision
What you have just learned leads you to choose a different response. Which detail changed how you see the situation?
I need to know more
The new information leaves you with an important question. What would you need to ask before acting?
0% changed their mind after learning the new context
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