I've been reading your posts here with interest, since I'm not in the same situation and wondered what it was like for everyone.

I totally agree that the most important thing is a committed relationship, some stability (I can't believe some of you have already taken on mortgages, etc - you obviously have got it together LOL!), and the travel/careers thing is complete bubkus (sp?)!

I can assure you that at 28, I did not spend the last 10 years travelling and partying either. It just isn't for everyone (and I'd love to know how many of those people who tell you to did it themselves). I did finish my degree and focus on my career a little - but mainly with the intention of working myself into a situation where I could work part-time from home as a consultant. And that didn't take until I was in my 30s!

My DP and I have been together almost 6 years and this bubs was not planned, but we are both as happy as can be. We got together when I was 22 and I've been working towards having this family since then! Even back then, we spent most of our time at home and when we took holidays, it wasn't to party and go overseas.

People should stop telling everyone else what to do. Kids need loving parents and happy homes. Full stop.