I'm seeking some guidance regarding my boyfriend [26M] and myself [27F] as we think about our future together.
My boyfriend [26M] and I [27F] have been together for two years, and recently we’ve been discussing our future. I dream of traveling and experiencing the world, while he has the traditional American dream of starting a family. It feels like we’re on completely different paths. Some of my online friends have suggested that it might be best for us to part ways if I want to pursue my travel goals. My boyfriend is open to breaking up since I don’t share his desire to have kids. He doesn't want to pressure me, but starting a family is a top priority for him. For me, I see our dog and him as my perfect family, and I feel content with that. Still, there are days when I find myself wanting children and feeling excited about it, but then there are other days when I’m certain I don’t want them. I’m really conflicted. We’ve broken up before over this issue, and I had told him I would have kids because it hurt so much to leave him. But I keep thinking it might be best to let him go so I can heal. It’s frustrating because I'd worked hard to heal after a previous relationship, and I never really had the chance to grieve a healthy one. I genuinely think it’s probably time for me to leave, but I need to be sure it’s the right decision. I need to know I'm making the right choice. Outside of this issue, we’re incredibly happy together—he’s affectionate in just the right way, and I can be as clingy as I want. I’m just feeling lost right now. Any advice would be appreciated.