My wife and I are very happily married. We have four great kids one is married with a child in the oven. (note the correct order) Another gets married to a wonderful young lady in the fall.
The secret-Traditional roles. When I proposed, my college educated wife said “Before I say yes, when we have kids can I stay home?
Absolutely. We made it work.
I disagree with your comment about the fun of the solo life. I travel a lot for my job so I’m on my own often. It can be very boring. Next week, I leave for a two-week trip. I’m spending more time planning what I’m going to do on the weekend then the two weeks I’ll be working, because I know I’ll be alone and bored.
Life is get up, shower, work, sleep. In other words, provide and be the role model for your children.
As we are now older and facing retirement, we’re looking forward to living more adventure-together, for as long as God gives us breath.
In my private replies it is 80% vs 20% with the 80% being in dull lonely marriages.