Couple at a crossroads over having kids

DEAR HARRIETTE: My long-term partner and I have built a wonderful life together, but there’s one major issue we can’t seem to resolve, which is whether we want kids. He’s always wanted to have children, and I’ve always been sure that I don’t. In the beginning of our relationship, this wasn’t a big topic of discussion, but now that we’re getting older, it’s becoming impossible to ignore. He’s made it clear that having a family is important to him, while I can’t imagine my life going in that direction. We love each other deeply and have a strong relationship in every other way, but I’m afraid this difference is too big to overcome. I don’t want to be the reason he gives up his dream of becoming a parent, but I also don’t want to force myself into a role I know I don’t want. Neither of us wants to break up, but I’m struggling to see how we can move forward without resentment or regret. Is there a way to find a compromise on something this big, or are we simply incompatible in the long run?