You've done something big - my suggestion is to give yourself time to settle into it. Like new parenthood it changes (at least somewhat) not only your circumstances but your financial and physical life. The surprises (stuff breaks/leaks/shorts out) are daunting and might seem overwhelming, too. But, unlike parenthood, which is forever, you really CAN reverse this situation if, after, say, a year, you still don't want it. Also - consider that the old house/ fixer-upper, while the stuff of so many romantic articles and TV shows, might be for you a headache and a money pit, pure and simple. Do you and your partner enjoy do-it-yourself projects? Some do and some don't. If you do not, a different house may well make sense for you. You DO have options. Learn from this (no matter what you eventually decide to do) and good luck.

It's humor, friends! Our nascent sleuth once found (and reports on) a candy box labeled "Have a Nosh with Mort & Ethel" - so I think she is aiming to entertain us. Worked for me.

A good friend was in a similar predicament as you. Boyfriend wouldn't introduce her to his daughters, his sister, or his mom. How frustrating this was! Fast-forward to the breakup, when it emerged that, in fact, he and his former fiancee were "taking time to think things over," meaning that he was dating around madly and she was ... waiting for him to come back. The family, meanwhile, was still assuming that the marriage was an eventual inevitability. So I can guess that you aren't meeting the family because (according to them) you aren't his girlfriend. As Chris Rock has said (I paraphrase) - if you have a boyfriend and you haven't met his friends, he ain't your boyfriend.

Almost hidden in your letter is "He's a gamer, big time." I assume you mean that your boyfriend is a compulsive gambler/poker player/whatever - This is a problem! It's a compulsive behavior and it's likely one of the biggest things in his life. Move on.

Perhaps McClelland could encourage cities to organize dual marathons - one for his little clique, and another for the rest of the sophomore class. His rant reminds me of some of the worst aspects of adolescent social life.

It would be too bad if this theme - how awful motherhood feels - becomes a niche for the author of this piece. This has been mentioned to Vicki but I'll repeat it: try carrying her in a front pack, or a sling when you venture out. My kids are grown. One liked nothing more than to be wrapped tightly (swaddled), til she was a month old. A stroller ride did not appeal to her until she was three months old, but then it was fine. Be kind to yourself. Try a lot of things with your baby. Seek out your friends. Hire a babysitter, if only for an hour. Good luck.