Posts by fadedfox13

slypuma17 said:It's simply because I'm putting in much less effort.
Once you set a firm boundary, people usually don't dare to push it again.

Because once you tell someone you don't want kids, you've essentially thrown down the gauntlet. I'm speaking from experience here.

Whenever the opportunity arises, you'll be met with some "well-meaning" or unsolicited comment, and over the long haul, that is incredibly draining—especially if these are people you see regularly, say at your office in Chicago, or even close friends.
You end up having to justify yourself constantly. It’s relentless.
They might ask you something like, "Do you just hate children?" 🙄
And it keeps going like that. They might even try to needle you or make little jabs whenever they get the chance.
😉

With the other option, they might be annoyed for a moment, but they'll eventually leave me alone. 😁

I agree. The idea that we don't want children is treated like it's sacred ground. Like it's some kind of social taboo. An absolute anathema.
The other day, I told a dear friend of mine—who has two tiny toddlers—that I actually don't want kids, and she reacted like I had personally slapped her in the face. 🙄🤷

amberfox4 said:But why on earth would you pretend to be ill just so people would pity you or, worse, mock you? Please, let's have some dignity.
For my part, as I grow older, I find it increasingly easy to simply be blunt with these nosy acquaintances and make it crystal clear that their lack of manners is showing.

I had this one neighbor once—just a nasty old woman—who actually cornered me in the street to ask why I don't have kids. Such audacity. And the kicker? She has a daughter who barely ever visits her, if ever. Not once. Since then, I don't even give her a polite nod when we pass. Sometimes you really do need to make it clear that their questions are completely out of line and shut the whole conversation down right then and there.

I’m really not looking to bring a dog into the house, and don't even get me started on cats—that lingering smell once they settle in? Absolutely gross. If I had to choose, I’d take a baby over any pet, honestly. But for now, I’m perfectly content with how things are. I’ve got my nieces to spoil, and frankly, that's more than enough for me.

boldstag33 said:Am I the only one who’s 31 and still doesn't have any desire to have kids?
I've never felt it, and I kept telling myself: maybe it'll hit me when I'm older... but nothing yet.
I have a wonderful marriage, an amazing husband (who isn't exactly itching to be a dad either), my own business, employees... I travel, I have everything I need... and most importantly, I don't feel like I'm missing out on having children...
Is that weird? What do you guys think?

I'm 37, and the idea of having children isn't even on my radar... it's a total abstraction. Honestly, I just don't want kids. Period. And I don't think that makes me a bad person.