..not my future

"Recent improvements in data collection offer
unprecedented insight into the romantic partnerships
of disadvantaged men, revealing higher levels of instability,
complexity, and commitment than previously understood.
Young disadvantaged men are often involved in
casual romantic relationships that result in pregnancy.
When this occurs, most men remain involved with the
mother, are optimistic about the future of their relationships,
and are committed to their children. Economic
disadvantage, incarceration, conflict, and mistrust undermine
the stability of these relationships, however, and
most end within several years after the birth. New romantic
relationships begin shortly thereafter, creating complex
family structures. We know less about the patterns
of interaction between couples that produce unstable
partnerships or about the nature of romantic relationships
that do not involve children. With our growing understanding
of the presence of fathers in nonmarital households,
policy-makers must adapt their policies to support,
rather than undermine, these fragile unions."

A YEAR AGO THIS WOULD HAVE MADE ME CRY! NOW I JUST SHAKE MY HEAD AND PRAY THAT THIS WILL NOT BE MY FUTURE #carryon