What people think of you if you don't want children
“No, I actually don't think I want children.” I still remember how shocked the woman looked at me. As if I were a walking baby machine that wasn't doing its duty and sabotaging the reproductive mechanism. That's how it felt, you know, it could be that she meant it all a bit less harshly. But when you say you don't want children, people think all sorts of things and sometimes they even voice it.
1. That you're a child hater
When you say you don't want children, humanity automatically assumes that you hate them. I truly believe there are people who have this motivation, but that's not the case for everyone. Take me, for instance, I also start cooing and gooing when I see a cute specimen. That doesn't mean your uterus immediately starts hopping with desire.
2. That you don't know how to change a diaper
And by the way, I like to take advantage of this assumption, you understand. I am blessed with a brother and a sister who are fourteen years younger, which means I've had my fair share of changing diapers. But I don't tell anyone that.
3. That you never want to babysit
The last time I babysat a child, I was eighteen myself. Now I believe that the legendary words to my best friend in a crowded lunchroom don't really help with this issue: “And what do I do if it starts crying?‘ But still. I really do want to babysit children. They just need to behave exemplary and be picked up at the end of the day. Seems like a plausible condition to me.
4. That you don't understand how busy people with children are
I am well aware that fathers and mothers can't just quickly work out before work, because they have to blend fruit snacks, wash children, and race to daycare. I can do that. You don't need to be mad at me for it, you wanted children. Sometimes I do get stressed and then I always think of mothers, I find that to be real sports.
5. That you never want to go on vacation during school holidays
That summer vacation can be stolen from me, if I go two weeks later, I can go for half the price. But Christmas would actually be nice once.
6. That you will grow old alone
If you don't have children, then you have no little ones around you when you (I hope for you) pass eighty. But if you grow old a bit cheerfully and especially don't become bitter, then there are surely a few souls who still find you nice enough to have a drink with.
7. That you do want children
People dismiss your point of view because you will surely convert yourself to the great child religion. I am not of the caliber that says I will never ever want children, because everything can change. But believe me when I say that I don't want children now, I really don't want children now.
8. That you can't have children
Just keep that thought to yourself. It's not polite.
P.S.: Also read what can go wrong when you have children.
