Good piece; there is a lot to think about here.

I worry that for many people, one overriding desire is to be left alone. Obviously there is a balance to be struck here - few or no people want to be really alone permanently. But people guard their alone time. And kids are a serious tax on that -- young kids in particular do not leave their parents be.

I think Bryan is right that there's more joy to be found in relating to other people than most realize. Modern society has swung too far towards atomization and a lack of close personal relationships. But those relationships can indeed be hard.