Thanks for your advice and reading my story... I was brought up in a traditional family, where men sharing emotions is frowned upon... so it's a bit difficult for me but I can really see the benefits.

I hate lying, acting and pretending to be somebody else... which is why it's painful at the moment, when she's showing me so much affection, but I have to, in part, pretend...

I suppose it's the question of self-sacrifice for the child, or do my best as a co-parent, but pursue my own dreams and ambitions simultaneously.

I'm glad to hear that I do sound reasonable to some people... as I'm pretty sure that I'll be the "talk of the town" come time for my decision...