I relate to this so much! As a single, childless, Southern woman, I'm lightyears behind my high school classmates in this made-up timeline. I'm thankful for a therapist that reminded me that "all this shit is made up!" I agree that this seems to be cultural -- as the desire to own a home began to creep up on me, I remembered how similar people I've met in Europe will most likely never own a home just for the freedom it gives them to live their lives. It's good to read that even if you've "checked the American boxes," true fulfillment isn't found there.
I relate to this so much! As a single, childless, Southern woman, I'm lightyears behind my high school classmates in this made-up timeline. I'm thankful for a therapist that reminded me that "all this shit is made up!" I agree that this seems to be cultural -- as the desire to own a home began to creep up on me, I remembered how similar people I've met in Europe will most likely never own a home just for the freedom it gives them to live their lives. It's good to read that even if you've "checked the American boxes," true fulfillment isn't found there.