Member-only story
When I Say I Don’t Want Kids, I Mean It
Deal breakers. Relationship requirements. That which you won’t tolerate.
I see them on OKCupid member profiles all the time, and rightfully so. While many folks are open-minded, most have at least a few necessary or unacceptable conditions for a long-term relationship.
For instance:
- “Must love dogs.”
- “I don’t serial date.”
- “Liars need not apply!”
- “I’m a sucker for science and empathy.”
- “Please move on if you voted for [insert politician name].”
Your results may vary.
Call me naïve, but when I see statements like these, I take the authors at their word. They’ve drawn their lines in the sand, beyond which potential suitors must not tread. It’s cool.
Limiting Lines
Finding a life partner is an important — maybe the most important — change you’ll ever make. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an Asian accountant, a Black businessperson, or a white writer: male, female, or the pronoun of your choice. Your future mate should at least meet your most important requirements. Not all, but some. It’s a fine line each couple must navigate…
