@steven-b , maximum respect my brother on properly communicating your very well written thoughts on the matter! 👍
Here's the thing: All of us, individually, are living in the MOST tumultuous time in recorded history, across MANY cultures, approaching infinite designations (what the heck does "z" mean (if you live in California)) and the ideal of the Nuclear Family --What I aspired to-- is disintegrating by the minute.
Not good, not bad, it just IS.
You should know I am approaching your subject from a different angle:
That of celibacy.
For over 2 years(!)
My perspective is to have no perspective, because we are all so uniquely different and individual in our own incredible way...
Your opinions work for you - AWESOME!
May you similarly celebrate another's choices (if those choices benefit the individual AND any concerned parties) rather than hold them up against the Rorschach that approximates your own, particular values - what works for you may not have similar efficacy and fulfillment for someone else.
By all means celebrate what ecstasy you've enjoyed from your choices, and communicate them that so that others, IF they recognize and live by your values, may appreciate the same benefit!
Holding those values as a golden standard disregards the incredible diversity our world population, in the current battle against the brain stem and neocortex, must contend with and attempt to rationalize.
The higher brain will rationalize...
Hopefully not at the expense of our biological core:
Balance MUST be achieved in contending with these two motivations: That of the soul AND the body; to disregard one in favor of the other denies us of who and WHAT we are.
That decision, whatever it is, must be made by that particular individual and, if we are to have any compassion, RESPECTED, and honoured.