MGTOW is defined as forging our own identifies and paths to self-defined success and cutting through collective ideas of what a man is. This has resonated a lot with me since I started reading the posts here 2 years ago.

The thing is, I have a GF who I live with which I believe automatically excludes me from participating in this community. I don't want to be called out as a poser so I'm writing this in hopes you'll accept me as a MGTOW despite my identify as a man who is engaged in an LTR.

My GF is actually my 4th GF. At 29 years of age, I've had 4 GFs and lived with 3 of them so far each for 3-5 years per woman. Those that know me call me a serial monogamist but the reason these GFs don't end up becoming wives is because I remain true to my self-defined success factors and true to my goals in life.

Eventually, these success factors I've clarified to these women since our first date become the main reason I eventually become single again and I think sticking to these qualifies me to be here. Here is an idea of some of the GTOWs that I find valuable and worth fighting for in a relationship:

• I've lived in FL, CA and NH and will go anywhere my career takes me
• I need 2-3 nights a week of me time whether that be video games, riding my motorcycle, going to car / track events, camping, going on beer/road trips, exploring photography, videography, home brewing and solo time at cafes writing and reading and growing as a person. overall, I demand me time away from my significant other and I won't compromise on having that time on my own
• I want to own a home before I get married (just put an offer down on a place pending inspection, I'll finally realize that dream)
• I don't want kids
• I want to travel alone and with my significant other equally
• I demand a clean house and I do the cleaning and she can help if she'd like. If she's a slob, we'll have problems.
• I want to learn a new skill every year and have been growing as a person a lot faster the older I get and more resources (financial freedom I have)
• While my mate can take part in any of my hobbies, we must each have our own things, friends and goals
• Marriage will not happen unless there's a pre-nuptial agreement
• Divorce, while being a last resort is a real-world option
• My mate can have a religious faith but I will not let it dictate how i live my life, marriage in a church, baptisms, lent, confessions are not for me or if I accidentally have a kid, for my child either. I will teach them the ways of Budo and the Samurai / warrior way of life and we will not pray to any dead deities.
• My mate must understand and agree that marriage is a farce created by religion and enforced by the government to squeeze out more money from its employees (aka citizens)
• I believe in taxation but not paying more than is necessary and remain politically involved and my mate should as well
• If I get married, I will not have a majority of my social time spent with other married people. If my wife is threatened by me hanging out with single guys who are GTOW, she can deal with it. I have lots of friends who get lost into the world of married-friends and it's sickening
• Engagement rings are bullshit. Only Americans do this. no other country gives diamonds on top of the wedding band. My wife can buy herself an engagement ring if she requires it, I'll buy the band
• My partner must earn her way, I won't support her. She buys her own cars, clothes, and provides for herself. My current GF who is living with me works in psychology and her earning potential is higher than mine which I really value a lot and I respect her for that.
• I can do what I want with my body. I respect my GF and let her know of my plans and ambitions but she should be aware that if I get a tattoo or a huge body piercing, she'll have to accept me or not. She's against me owning a motorcycle but understands she can't stop me
• I do compromise on some things that aren't listed above

While a married life may be in my future, it'd have to be with someone who understands and accepts all of my requirements as a man. I will not live a half-life simply because a woman says I have to in order to have her love. If I can't have love and still go my own way, it's not worth it because life is too short and I will never set my self up to be robbed of my freedom, manhood or cold hard cash (in the form of a settlement from divorce, alimony or child support payments) by giving a woman a marriage certificate.

If that's not going my own way simply because I may get married, just let me know and I'll un-sub. Thank you all for participating in this sub. I've learned a lot.