I got back from a very large family reunion a few days ago. 200+ family members of over five generations in attendance. This family tree is also VERY predominantly Southern Baptist. It's important to note that because I am literally the last holdout within the fourth generation to not be married or have kids, and to be almost 30 with no wife at least is damn near sinful to a community of southern baptists.

But, among the family members I did meet for the first time was one of my father's second cousins. They grew up and played together for years as boys. When we were shooting the shit around some food he asked where my woman was at this event. When I told him I didn't have one his entire demeanor changed. He told me about his three divorces as well as alimony and child support taking up 80% of his current wages, which was soon to be nothing since he got injured at work. I jokingly made up a lie that I wasn't trying to be this way and that I just hadn't found the right one yet, because I never reveal my mgtow status as a point of personal safety and anonymity. He then put his food down, grabbed me by the arm and said "Seriously, dude. I'm not joking. Do NOT ever get married. Save yourself." And that was it. He walked away and sat in a corner seat eating and drinking the rest of the day.

It's one thing to see this shit in articles and stories on the internet. It's another thing entirely to see and talk to a completely broken man in the flesh, and one who is self-aware of his own personal hell.