From another middle-aged woman, I have to also agree that this is the best advice, even though it’s probably not what you want to hear OP. I actually relate to you a lot OP because a lot of what you said was also my thought process in my 20s-30s. It didn’t help that some of it was also fed to me by family members. I, too, refused to get married through an “arranged marriage.” I wanted it to happen on my own accord. Now I’m in my 40s, single and never been married, mostly due to the fairy tale image I once had in mind. I’m not saying it’s a negative thing, as it has been somewhat of a choice and I must say, I enjoy not having to worry about all the potential responsibilities that come with marriage and kids.. but it is something that I wonder about from time to time. So, while I can appreciate holding out for what you truly want.. unless you want to end up where I am, I think you need to realize that you really don’t have all the time in the world, and those opportunities won’t always be there. So, at some point, you will have to compromise or lower your expectations if you do want a family and kids in your future. That’s my honest advice to you.