Boyfriend would agree to nokids marriage for her

Dear Abby: I’m a 19yearold girl who’s been with my boyfriend for two years. We are a wonderful match and love each other very much. There’s just one flaw in our relationship that I hold lots of guilt over. From the beginning, we have both known he would like to have kids, and I do not. I don’t want biological children, and I have no desire to adopt. I’m not maternal. My boyfriend and I had a deep conversation about it when we realized there could actually be a future between us. He said he is willing to put aside his desire for kids so he can have a future with me. I feel guilty that I’m not the ideal woman for him. Should I break it off so he can find someone who wants children, or should I trust in his statement that his life will be fulfilled with only me and no children?

Guilty in California Dear Guilty: Not wanting children is nothing to feel guilty about. Many women feel as you do about the lifetime responsibilities of becoming a mother. You would be wise to have several more “deep” conversations with your boyfriend to make sure he fully understands how serious you are on this subject. Premarital counseling could be helpful to ensure you both are on the same page about other issues that might crop up. Dear Abby: I recently had to put my 14yearold dog to sleep. I adopted her when she was 2 and had her for 12 years. She had health issues, dementia and incontinence, and was no longer herself. It was a difficult decision, but the right one. I know this in my heart, but I am severely depressed. I can’t stop reliving the image of her death. (I stayed with her during the procedure.) I am losing sleep and interest in everything. I have another pet at home (a cat), and I will soon have my dog’s ashes back. My kitty brings me a lot of joy, but my house seems so empty and quiet without my dog. I’m not ready to adopt another one, and not sure if I ever want to again. I know time is the best healer, but I can’t seem to shake this. What would you suggest? Grieving for My Loss Dear Grieving: You loved your dog, and you have suffered an important loss. You would not be normal if you didn’t grieve. Eventually, things that trigger you will become fewer, and you will be ready to move forward. Have faith in that. If your sleeplessness and lack of interest continue, however, you should discuss it with your doctor.