But I try to live as close to it as I can.

In a LTR with a woman I met 2 years ago. Meet her in a rough part of her life and befriended her, gave her a shoulder to cry on and a person to talk to. I will admit I was looking for companionship as I had just moved to a new state for a new job and a day after arriving my wife told me she wanted a divorce and she was taking the kids. Provided a father figure for her her young ones (I have 2 myself so I'm used to that) since their father can't be bothered. When my ex went off the deep end I gained full custody of my children and she offered for all of us to move in to her place, for which I am eternally grateful. Told her I would pay for the electric, trash, heat, anything and EVERYTHING except the mortgage. Place was something her and her ex had bought together and was way too expensive, I suggested if she wanted me to pay the rent, sell the house and we'll find a place together.

She didn't.

And she lost it.

I used some of my retirement to get us a first, last, and security deposit so we could get in to a place within the week they have us to get out.

Fast forward a year later.

Got her motivated to get back in to the workforce. She works a tough job and makes ok money for it ( running a fork lift in a freezer, we're an equal rights employment family around here). Pulled get out of her depression after losing the house and helped her quit smoking and got her drinking under control as well. We share an equal load with housework, although I will admit I slack a little at times.

I work second shift, 10 hours a day, four days a week (but I do usually average 50-60 hours a week normally). Get home at 2:30 in the morning, wake up at 7 to get the kids off to school since she's at work. Do my chores and try to get a little sleep before I go to work. I take the family on trips every weekend and try to make life as enjoyable for everyone. Baseball practice, fishing, hiking, camping, staying up late to enjoy a few drinks with her and to talk and laugh with her as much as possible. All while usually averaging about 35 hours of sleep a week.

I just got told a last weekend I'm not doing enough.

I just got told last weekend I don't know how "lucky I am".

I just got told last weekend I how "good I have it".

Sent her a picture of an apartment in the town we live in and an advert for a nanny, both are very affordable for me. Told her if she actually has a problem I can leave. I do the best I can and if it's not enough she needs to tell me now because it's never going to change.

Had a very short, one way conversation, I will not be told I'm inferior, nor will I lift more than my own load. If you actually want that life, I'm not that guy. My children (and hers if we are together) are the only thing in this world I will support with no expectations. You're here for companionship, friendship, and an intimate relationship. The second you withdraw any of those due to unreasonable expectations..... I'm gone.

Your choice.