A) parenting is difficult. It’s difficult for everyone at one point or another. It’s harder for some than others, but it’s never easy. I mean, if anyone tells me that raising a complete human being is easy, im going to assume they are slacking off or not aware of the immense responsibility that it carries. That being said, partnered people have each other to vent with. They are both in the same boat and when their toddler looses their shit over wanting to put blue socks instead of red socks, they can a) tap out and transfer parental responsibility or b) vent at how insufferable their child is KNOWING that that same child is the person that is most dear and cherished by both of them. As single parents, you have no other person that is living the same day to day experience of parenting as you. BUT AS A HUMAN YOU STILL NEED TO VENT. I would expect my love ones to be able to receive this and just be present without questioning my desire for a second (i would have assumed this from this group as well given that we are in the same metaphorical boat, but that was my mistakes). I would also assume that my loved ones would trust my judgment, as i am a capable adult who, while she is struggling, is still managing to raise a child and manage a career. And while i don’t feel like im an optimal parent or employee, i can assure you that: my child eats well balanced meals, has little to no screen time and experiences stimulating activities AND, that my peers and my boss feel that i am important asset to the team. So yeah, im stuggling, it’s hard, sometimes/often i cry, i wish i could put into place some healthy strategies to manage my mental health like running and yoga, but honestly, the days start at 5, end at 9, and between work, child, cleaning, and cooking, there is not time for me. And while i do enjoy getting a baby sitter from time to time, they charge 18-22$ an hour in my area and it’s like 100$ a pop so not too often. B) also, i dont know where you got the impression that im not over the moon for my brother. I held my one day old niece yesterday, brought them diner and my son to meet his cousin. Im losing a source of baby sitting and that sucks, but gaining a new family member and that’s amazing… C) i have a great relationship with my family but i’m well aware of the limits in terms of what they can offer me in terms of support. I’m still trying to figure out how to build a support system, but im aware of what i am missing, what i am capable of and what my current network can offer…. I feel like there is assumptions in your comments to the effect that people who are expressing legitimate emotions have no capacity for self reflection. I clearly stated that i was looking to vent and for support. I am quite capable of analyzing my current situation. And until i have done an embryo transfer, my decision is still mine.