progenic choice

There's something innate, something untouchable about this next topic, and not in the look-but-don't-touch sense. The logical brain wants to take over, adhering to nothing but the facts.
I'm referring to the choice of having children or not.

For many, choice is not exactly a factor. One night of unprotected bliss and suddenly you find yourselves with another life to care for. Or you find yourself with another choice that needs to be made. Both of which will change your lives irrevocably, and while I could go into the musings behind each decision, I will not. It is a personal choice and only one that you and your partner can decide.

So, let's stop beating around the bush and return to the original topic: progeny.

Obviously, it is better to have this topic of discussion before things get all hot and heavy, but what happens when one wants to have children and the other doesn't? Is it possible to satisfy both?
In short, the answer is no.

The lengthy response is this:
It is important to note why one wants to have children. Do they think it is a biological imperative? That in order to be a functioning member of society one needs to have children to be successful? Or is it something more instinctual? The need to nurture others?

On the flip side of things: Did they have a difficult childhood? Are they afraid they will repeat the faults of their parents? Or is it that they value their autonomy and independence?

By answering these questions it will allow you to understand the other's perspective. Once you have that understanding you may be able to concede the other's choice and respect their decision. Or at least that is the hope.

In any relationship there is a time for compromise, but this is not one of them. The two of you need to agree on one choice or another. This may take months, or years, but in the end it needs to happen. Otherwise, one person is left forever wanting and the other is satisfied and a whole new slew of issues can arise from this. Such circumstances do not bode well for future endeavors.

So, talk about it. Hash it out. Scream and shout if you really need to, but do not ignore it.
On this subject, and possibly this one alone, it is NOT possible to agree to disagree.