I’m 17 and in the future, maybe 24/25, I plan on having at least two kids. I love kids and always have.

A few months ago, I started dating a boy I really liked. He was perfect for me, we were almost exactly the same person. Except one day, we were in public and saw a big family, a mom, a dad, and four kids walking, one baby in a stroller. It made my heart melt, as I’ve always wanted to have a family. I turned to my ex and he had an ugly sneer on his face, leaned in and whispered something about hating kids, and said if he had any he’d either abandon them or beat them, and then laughed. I get the harsh parts might have been a joke, but it made me rethink our entire relationship. I want to have kids and I want to work with kids. Im also super sensitive when it comes to them, and any harmful comment directed to them makes my stomach churn. (Would just like to point out that I’m not attacking people who don’t like or want kids.)

Anyway, I thought about it for a few days and decided that if we didn’t want the same life, then we should break up. He took it well, I mean he seemed upset but he wasn’t angry or violent. My friends on the other hand were so mad. I’ve always had rocky relationships, and this was the first one that was a positive experience for everyone. He was a great guy, and I do miss him, but I don’t want to waste time on a relationship that won’t work out. I know not everyone sees eye to eye on things in their romantic lives, but this is different. This isn’t the best type of pasta or candy flavor, this isn’t politics or what jobs are the best. This is the life I want, and have always wanted, and I’m not willing to give it up.

Should I have thought about it more? Or waited a few years to see if he would change his mind?