Moose, we live in a conservative society, where conventions dictate normality.
I suppose when you present as a '40 something year old man' without a wife or children, people will ask questions.
It is your choice to choose a life without a wife but don't get defensive when your motives are brought into play.
Bottom line, the perception is; if you don't have a wife and family by the time you are forty you are either gay, incredibly-selfish or women think you so annoying they couldn't bear to spend a life with you!
Just my opinion, not hating!
Every woman I go out with ends up yelling...
"I can't take this any longer..."
Or words to that dramatic effect...
Work comes first.
We can be dining in a lavish restaurant...and all they do is complain about how much I am on projects...then I ask them..."how do you like your steak...is it good?"
"yes, Michael, it is roasted to perfection..."
"Well, "I counter,"How in Hell do you think I am going to pay for that?"
And, shortly thereafter, they are history.
Moosejay Approved