Long time lurker...not really a reddit poster, but created this account to say to many here how much i appreciate the sub.

I dont know if i'd be considered a MGTOW because i couldn't "go monk" - maybe i'm just a traditional bachelor, but I certainly wont marry, or let anyone ever move into my home. Basically had been in many relationships in the past, and the sheer amount of effort, time, and money i've spent was bewildering when i look back on it. Got my own stories of course over time, but it seems all too often these days i hear from colleagues at work or through personal circles horror story after horror story. About a year ago, i was telling a friend that i thought i was done with dating in any serious way and was going to concentrate on myself, invest, read, travel etc. Since then, i've never felt more free.

Thankfully i was never one to really want kids, so the decision was a bit easier for me than i think it was for most. Was engaged once, and dodged that bullet thankfully. Now that im a bit older, i really can appreciate the freedom. I do what i want, when i want. Money that i could be spending on a family, goes directly into my 401k and thankfully i can max this each month and set myself up for an early retirement. But that pales compared to the free time i've given myself to take on new hobbies that i really enjoy.

For me theres no anger or bitterness, but i can completely empathize with some of the guys here whose pain is fresh from a divorce or breakup. We've all been there, and some keep going back and back to it. That's just not for me anymore.

I do believe that MGTOW, (or communities, forums, groups like this) does indeed save lives because it gives them a place to share concerns, stories, and experiences. I think we tend to cope with those things on our own as men and have traditionally rarely reached out for help, thus leading to increasing isolation and in the most unfortunate cases, suicide. My favorite posts on this sub have always been hearing the stories from men who went through a rough time and came out stronger and invested in themselves moving forward.

Sorry for the long post, look forward to sharing in the future. Wish everyone here success in going your own way in whatever that is for you personally.