[fhd2]

I can relate, I have three and I feel it does give my life more meaning.

But I still feel like pointing something out: Know that phenomenon where users that paid for software are typically more satisfied with it and give better ratings than users who didn't?

Whish I knew what the proper name for it is, but having kids is kind of the ultimate version of that :D

(Update: Thanks so much for helping me figure out what to call it!)

[jasode]

>Know that phenomenon where users that paid for software are typically more satisfied with it and give better ratings than users who didn't?

>Whish I knew what the proper name for it is,

Possibly these:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mere_ownership_effect

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endowment_effect

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choice-supportive_bias

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IKEA_effect

[fhd2]

I think it's pretty much choice-supportive bias, thanks!

The more costly it is to make the wrong choice, the more is invested into rationalising the decision, the stronger the bias.

[Sammi]

The best part of it is that just like the placebo effect it actually works. Speaking from experience. I mean, how can you look at your little child and not feel like you are looking at the face of god? It truly is a profound experience.

[wastedhours]

It's akin to post-purchase rationalization and sunk cost bias rolled into one - likewise I think it's a specific bias in its own right, but a search hasn't turned up anything yet!

[mdavis6890]

It's called "knowing yourself"

People who think "I think I will likely be happier with children" will be positively correlated with people who have children and are happy about it.

People who think "Having kids will probably make me less happy, so I won't have any." will be negatively correlated with having children, or being happy about them if they do.

This isn't irrational. It's just knowing yourself and choosing wisely.

[javert]

Sounds very close to Stockholm Syndrome.

[dr_kiszonka]

My favorite comment of the day! And I say this as a loving father.

[disgruntledphd2]

it's called cognitive dissonance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance (sortof anyway).