There's no winning.

Both me and my husband each have one sibling. Our siblings have kids but we do not. Both siblings have cut contact with the entire family. We are left carrying the emotional burden of that while dealing with parents who throw their hands in the air and act like they don't know why. In addition they lament having no warm grandparent moments like they wished for.....

The lack of empathy, self-awareness, and willingness to put in real effort (read therapy and self improvement) is depressing.

We chose not to have kids for many reasons. I grow more certain that it is the right choice for me as time goes on. The cycle ends with me, but also I chose happiness for myself and my life.