I think it's important not to deny the potential pitfalls of a childless existence rather then gloss over it with justifications, platitudes etc.

I read recently in a magazine of one woman's childless reality - the partner she decided not to have children with eventually ran off to someone younger who, surprise surprise, had children. She now spends Christmas volunteering and doesn't know what kind of security the future holds.

I don't fear dying alone or anything - we all die alone no matter who's there physically. And things like wills and funerals can usually be prearranged with enough notice. For me it's the fear of regret - will wondering about the 'what ifs' become so strong that whether or not i made the right choice i still would have liked to try certain things?

It's not something that can be answered until it happens - that's what makes it all the harder.