The best contraceptive: in quarantine with three children

Living alone in Amsterdam, single, in self-isolation: it's not the happiest thing you can imagine. In fact, at times I get quite sad and crazy from this situation. But many will feel the same way. Fortunately, I can just work from home, there's a supermarket at the end of the street, and I have my two best friends Netflix and Videoland close by who are there for me 24/7. And of course my buddies during this time, named Instagram and Facebook. Zoom and Houseparty also help me through it. Because luckily my social life hasn't gotten worse, it's just that it no longer takes place in real life.

And for the whole dating life, this self-isolation is definitely not beneficial. But I actually don't mind that at all right now. Why? Well, because I see a side of some people, friends, girlfriends, that makes me really okay with being on my own. Babies. Little kids. Yeah sorry, I genuinely think they're really great, but being stuck 24/7 with your partner and a baby? That doesn't sound like fun at all, I must say. Or worse: multiple kids. The HORROR. Don't get me wrong, your kids are of course the cutest and sweetest around... But day in and day out, indoors (or as much as possible), while they demand all the attention... Pfff, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.

And I decide that I won't be doing that for the time being. Nope, not for me, I say. This works for me as a great contraceptive during (which is easy because I don't really have a choice) and after quarantine. Complete abstinence. Sounds very blunt and selfish maybe, and it is of course. Because secretly I really enjoy having the opportunity to complain that I'm bored, that I actually want to go out, that I want to see my friends. The list goes on. Drowning in self-pity, because you currently have no one else to consider.

But you, parents with (small) kids, you don't even have time for that complaining. 24/7 is actually all about being a parent. I salute you. I have found newfound respect for that, because it seems so tough. It's really impressive that you manage to keep this up, and in return, I will complain less about being lonely. It does come off a bit whiny, knowing that people are running around like crazy to take care of their kids.