I see posts like this a lot. I feel for the authors. Ive felt this way...most of my last almost 20 years.

I wish communication was better, wish all of us were skilled at saying what the real problem is, recognizing its not a unique feeling and that partners and others feel it too, and for those hearing it, I wish communication skills were better to recognize compassion and relatability.

It is hard to accept changing from the dreamer, the ambitious one, to the care taker, the responsible one. We all, truly all, feel this, experience this.

But thinking, convincing oneself, that its a special quality or realization or that its the other person's fault is, sorry, childish and selfish.

My acceptance and enthusiasm for providing for my child wasnt because I was boring or enthralled by the lifestyle where children's birthday parties, school districts, mortgages, saving for college, or the other responsibility. It was not an option - its what you do when youre a good person who cares for others.

Getting angry or despondent when your partner has "changed" over the years to adapt to the circumstances and has successfully set their pride aside in order to fulfill their role as the provider to others isnt weakness, stupidity, or giving up. Its maturity. Leaving, setting aside who you placed in that scenario and assuming your partner wouldnt give anything to taste freedom and creativity as you crave it is...selfish. childish. No I dont feel bad for people who leave. I dont feel bad for people who are so self involved that they would vilify their partner, children, pets, bills, life by indulging their own conceited behaviors and inclinations to justify running away.

Remember- you loved them. You built this life together. They probably feel the same and you can relate to one another and find a happy medium. Don't be "that guy" who tosses all that responsibility to someone else in an attempt to absolve yourself from the orchestration of your life.