I've experienced deep loves, and rich companionship in my life, but none of them inspired a need to procreate - ever.

However, I do feel your pain regarding finding a compatible human who has not been cursed with an overdose of religion. Damn.

I could never bring myself to date a believer. Unfortunately that has meant a lifetime of solitude. lol

I doubt "breeding" is in my future, at almost 71, but I still greatly look forward to the next round of "butterflies" with the next Mr. Right! I would hate to think there will not soon be another one!

When your body stops conflating the desire to breed with someone, to "love", you'll be better off.

What else could it be besides chemical reactions? There's no quantum love field or anything.

I've done some serious drugs in my lifetime and nothing, and I mean nothing, has ever gotten me higher than just being with her. We're talking not being able to navigate stairs or drive competently high, here.

So this good xtian was sleeping with you out of wedlock? Sorry about not seeing your kid, but you do have rights as a father - explore them.

We all have a "soulmate" until the time that one or both of us has someone else. Stories of geese and mating for life sound nice but we are not geese.

I’m sorry that you find yourself in the situation you are. It is sometimes baffling to me how some people allow others to interfere and influence their personal relationships. Your former partner is just such a person, but it’s the child which you were going to have together and which you now may never get to know who will be the biggest loser in this entire tragedy. This, sadly is quite a familiar tale, as far as families trying to break up what they deem to be unsuitable relationships is concerned. You don’t mention how old your girlfriend is, but she is clearly not living her life as an independent adult. Yes, chemistry is the important first element in any successful, loving and intimate relationship, but it isn’t the one that sustains it long term....that is respect and love. Love without respect will wither away, sexual attraction cannot stay at the heightened level we feel in the early days of connecting, but in a healthy relationship a mutual contentment will replace that, along with a maturing love and respect for each other, and their views. Please try not to despair, I feel sure that there are many other compatible partners out there who would appreciate and respect your views on life and religion. Don’t give up, things have a way of presenting themselves when you least expect it!