Thanks very much for these helpful replies. I certainly need to get some therapy. I've been planning to do that for a while now. But the time has quite been right. I think that I need to make a decision about this quite rapidly (within a matter or a few weeks) so I won't have time to resolve my issues first. I totally agree, it's very important not to lead people on. Actually, it was me who raised the topic of conversation. I realise that I haven't explained myself clearly. The fact is I'm not completely sure whether or not I want children and that's what I wrote in my profile. I can see strong arguments both for and against. My parental background showed me what can go wrong and lots of the drawbacks. But I know there are many positives and I can see that I would enjoy raising a child and have things to offer. Part of me feels that, whilst it wouldn't be easy, it would be rewarding and that to not have children would mean missing out on those experiences. This lady has such a nice personality, so in that respect, if it's going to work with anyone, it would be with her. I think I'm wondering how I can be sure to avoid the compatibility problems that my parents had. How compatible do you need to be and in what areas? My mum was so unhappy for so many years, or that's how it seemed. I'm not sure if I really don't want children or if this is just a fear based on my past background that will go away after therapy. If I can't be sure what I really want and what is right in this situation, I will let her find someone who is sure. I feel very guilty for having these doubts, probably that will sound odd. I sometimes think that if this relationship is right I shouldn't have any doubts, not at this early stage. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations, again, I don't know if that's true.