Latara
The most vibrant of my friends does not have children and she is not in a relationship. She is in her late 40's and not concerned about what might be or what might have been. She leads a full, busy and valuable life- to her and to those who know her.
I have never subscribed to the view that being a parent is the default position and that the child free deviate from that 'norm'. I do not see her life as lacking or mine as more enriched. It is a different life that is all.
There is no reason why you should end up bitter and jealous. No choice is without a cost. Nor is any decision the 'right one' all of the time.
LJ is the product of more than her decisions. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to her bitterness. She is not the template for the child free nor a salutatory warning to have children in case you end up like her.
Just get on with your life and enjoy it. Cultivate great friendships and family ties if you can. Get out there and continue building the kind of family that works for you.
to cheer you up.