I think it can be done.It's funny, but this came up at work last night.
I work with all men. Some older and some young.
One of the younger guys, age 27, asked my opinion on dating older women.
He is dating a 37 year old with 2 kids. He has never been married and has no children.
That is the first thing I asked him about. Did he want children and did she want any more?
He said that's what he had a problem with. Yes, he does want kids and NO he does not want to raise hers. He said he was going to break it off with her. Then asked me what to say to her. I said, well you could be honest. He just laughed.....said I can't tell her that!!!
Can a person really tell this kind of truth and it not be too hurtful?????
Many years ago I met a wonderful man.
I had kids he didn't ~ We started to see each other.
A few dates in ~ he let me know that while he really liked me he wasn't sure he was ready to take on my kids.
I will admit it did hurt a bit but we managed to remain friends for several years after.
Looking back ~ I am glad that he was honest with me.
He went on to marry a gal who only had 1 child and they then had 3 more children together.
So his wanting kids of his own and me already having a few would have been a HUGE issue had we continued dating.
I think you have to be honest about what you want and don't want.
I can't imagine a relationship progressing without honesty.