Undecided Couple Seeks Advice on Parenthood

Advice Columnist Suggests Observing Other Families and Considering the Rewards Amid Challenges

A couple in their mid-30s, who have been together for 10 years, are undecided about becoming parents and are seeking advice.
The couple has done extensive research on parenthood, which they describe as sounding 'fairly awful, like an exhausting and depleting journey with no guaranteed happy ending.'
Advice columnist Amy Dickinson suggests that if they have to ask, perhaps they shouldn't do it, affirming that parenthood can be exhausting, depleting, expensive, and occasionally heartbreaking.
Dickinson also highlights the rewarding aspects of parenthood, describing the experiences in between the challenging periods as 'made of spun gold.'
She advises the couple to observe other families and if being around them fills them with longing, they should consider becoming parents.