Just my opinion and two cents here!
I was married in 1982. Yes, back in what feels like the dark ages! My husband and I had talked about having children, but as time went on, we were enjoying our life together. You know, double income, no kids. By about 1986, we realized parenthood just wasn’t part of our plan.
For the time period, that was a little out of the ordinary. Most people assumed every married couple would eventually start a family. My mother certainly thought so. Each time we went to visit, her greeting was, “Are you pregnant yet?” It became her regular question. Eventually, I told her, “If you want more children in your life, have them yourself!” That finally ended the conversation.
I’ve always believed that the decision to have children should be entirely up to the couple. It’s not something family, friends, or society should influence. Everyone’s situation is different, and what feels right for one couple may not be right for another.
There were moments, I’ll admit, when I felt a little twinge hearing that someone close to me was expecting. But it passed quickly. I knew in my heart that raising children simply wasn’t something I was meant to do.
Instead, we filled our lives with plenty of furry, four-legged “children,” and they brought us endless joy. Want to go out for dinner? No babysitter needed. No requests to borrow the car, no late-night house parties, and no college tuition to worry about. Sure, there were vet bills, but they were small compared to everything that comes with raising kids.
Some might see our choice as selfish, but I see it as being honest about what was right for us. We’ve had a full, happy life together, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
So, if the time ever comes for you to decide whether or not to have children, make that decision for yourself. Don’t let anyone else’s expectations sway you. Not everyone is meant to be a parent, and that’s perfectly okay.
And, as Tigger would say, “TTFN,” “Ta-ta for now!”