I'm 29, a model and also work as a manager for an MNC. I've been modelling since I was 16, and between both jobs I make around €120k a year. Financially, I'm completely independent and comfortable. I'm mentioning that because it becomes relevant later.
I was with my ex for 8 years. He's 27, comes from a very wealthy family, and honestly... he's an asshole 😂. Not necessarily a cruel person, but definitely a man-child. Despite that, our relationship was genuinely good for most of those years. There were problems, obviously, but I loved him very deeply and, sadly, I still do.
For the last four years we lived together. I always contributed 50/50 financially rent, bills, holidays, everything. I never depended on his money. A few months ago, I finally asked him about the future. I basically said, "Where is this going? Where's the ring? I want to get married and settle down."
I genuinely thought we were on the same page. Apparently not. He told me he doesn't want to get married anytime soon, at least not for another five years. Iwas honestly like... WHAT? By then I'd be 33–34. I've always wanted children, and I don't want to wait indefinitely hoping a man will eventually decide he's ready.
We had a horrible argument after that. He started becoming distant, stopped answering my calls and generally became much less available. I eventually realised he was probably trying to end the relationship without actually saying it.
Then, about a week ago, I found out I'm pregnant. He's the father. He's been my only sexual partner. This isn't actually the first pregnancy we've had together. I became pregnant once before, several years ago, but we weren't ready and I chose to have an abortion. This time feels completely different.
I'm 29. I'm financially secure. I have a stable career, my own income and a support network. And, most importantly, I want this baby. I called him because obviously he deserved to know that he was going to become a father. His response? He accused me of trying to trap him into marrying me.
I honestly couldn't believe it..I'm not trying to marry this man. At this point, I don't even want to marry him. I was literally just telling the father of my baby that he was going to be a father.
I told him I intend to have the baby and that I will raise the child whether he's involved or not. And yes, I know people will judge me.
I'm expecting comments saying I'm keeping the baby because I secretly want him back, or because I want his family's money, or because I think having his baby will force him to marry me.
No. I love him. That's unfortunately still true. But I don't want to spend my life trying to convince someone to choose me. I want my baby. I'm also not naïve about the situation. I don't know whether having a child without an involved father is the ideal situation. Obviously I'd have preferred my child to have two loving, involved parents. But I can't make him want that.
If he chooses not to be involved during the pregnancy or the baby's early life, that's his decision. I will concentrate on being the best mother I can be. What worries me is what happens later. Suppose he disappears now. He doesn't attend appointments, doesn't support me during pregnancy, doesn't meet the baby, doesn't establish any relationship with them. Then two, three or five years from now he suddenly turns up and says:
"I've changed my mind. I want to be a father. I want 50/50 custody. I want to co-parent."
I don't think I'd be comfortable with that.
I don't want someone to be able to disappear during the difficult parts and then suddenly demand equal involvement when the child is older and things are easier. I'm living in Madrid, although I'm half Spanish and half Dutch, and the father is also based here.