The Irony
I was thinking today (ok, obsessing)....
From day one with my EXAG, I always loved the chemistry, attraction and excitement our relationship brought. I wanted her, but never thought anything long term *could* ever come out of it. For a few years we dated, and I kept my distance from her very young children. Maybe it was an excuse, but I always used the fact that I was not ready to get married, and I thought that getting close to young kids (3 and 5) without a plan for a future together would be selfish and could be damaging to the kids. I also used the fact that I don't deal well with break ups, and I will only get married once in my life. Hence, marriage for me will not be a "gamble."
And here I sit, 13 years later, even though we didn't get married, I am feeling like I have been going through an agonizing divorce for months. I guess the only real difference is I get to keep my 401k.
The irony....