I think that it's a great idea to have honest conversations about children before getting married. I also think it's impossible to promise someone, "What I want right now will never change, and as long as I promise you I do - or don't - want a child - or a specific number of children - before we get married, we will never have to experience fear, anxiety, uncertainty, or the pain of not getting what we want, when we want it.
Mallory OrtbergPeriodontal bacteria can easily slip into the bloodstream and cause infection elsewhere in the body.
Mallory OrtbergThere has to be some kind of personal hygiene bar that a person needs to clear in order for a relationship to be successful.
Mallory OrtbergYou need to be able to express your resentment and sense of loss in a way that doesn't damage your partner.
Mallory OrtbergAnyone who thinks itโs funny to name their network "TomโsHugeEtc" is going to think itโs funny that one of his neighbors is also named Tom and is embarrassed by it.
Mallory OrtbergIf your partner asks you if something bothers you, and something bothers you, the best thing you can do is say, "Yes, it bothers me." Otherwise you create a situation where they think everything is fine, continue with the offending behavior, while you build up a secret reservoir of resentment that will eventually come pouring out, to their shock.
Mallory Ortberg