When “Wanting a Man, Not a Baby” backfires

Unrealistic expectations in relationships are one of the most common — and least discussed — reasons why pair-bonding can feel frustrating, disappointing, or emotionally draining.

“I want a man, not a baby.”

I once came across this sentence at the end of a long list written by a woman in her late thirties. The list was titled something like “The Type of Man I Want”. While I no longer remember most of the items, that final statement stayed with me.

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