[dancingdoc2]

> So, what sorts of things are important? Here are a few, why not add to the list?
* Children, yes/no

Here are my thoughts on having children:

When the decision has been made to live together, what about children?

I belong to the school of thought that advocates living together as a couple for a few years before starting a family. Why?

1. Take some time to get to know one another as part of a couple under one roof. This relationship is going to be much different than it was as just two people meeting and going on a date, even if you've done it for years.

2. Take some time to build a life together. Use the time to get settled in.

3. Take day trips and weekend trips and go on vacations. Visit the places you've always wanted to see. When children come along, these can be tougher to do.

4. Concentrate on getting thru school and completing your education then becoming established in a job or profession.

5. Save, SAVE, SAVE. Build up your bank account and net worth. Set money aside for the future without the expense of children during the first few years. Begin saving for a down payment for a home. Begin saving for furniture. Begin saving for your children's education. Begin saving for retirement. Begin saving for whatever. While you are doing these things, build a life and a relationship together. When a child enters the family, your time and "our" time together will be strained.

6. (Care to add to the list?)