Do I really need to have a girlfriend to have a baby, or can I become a father on my own?

No, you don't need a girlfriend to become a father. Parenthood and romantic partnership are two separate projects, even though our culture often bundles them together.

Through co-parenting, you can team up with a woman who also wants to have a child, without any romantic relationship between you. Each of you keeps your independence and your own life, while fully sharing the responsibility of raising the child.

It's a model that requires preparation — discussing custody, finances, and educational values — but it lets you become a father on your own terms, without waiting for the ideal romantic relationship.