Ever feel like you were too passive in agreeing to go along with the typical storyline of marriage and kids?

So I've read discussions about men feeling this way online, and there is typically zero empathy for the idea that a man may feel obligated or pressured to stay in a relationship and go along with the checkmarks of marriage and kids.

"You're a grown man, make your own choices etc."

I am now with a 6-month-old and definitely got a lot of parental pressure to stick with the course. I realize this is a piece of a newfound resentment towards my mom now. I feel like she (and society as a whole) frames marriage and kids as an upgrade in life, as opposed to just a different phase.

"Enough with frivolous hanging out with friends and free time. Time to grow up and get locked down."

We had a very tight relationship growing up and in adult life. I trusted her word and with how little she has helped with the kid now, I realize she was just resentful of my more carefree life.

I'm in it now, being involved, enjoying little things, taking lots of pics etc., but deep down I often think about the earlier days and wish I had the balls to bail when I felt like I didn't want it.