Toward a Childfree Identity

[naamah_darling]

A friend, who has asked to remain anonymous for fear of leg-biting, poses a question about being childfree. It's a legitimate one that I have been asked before, but never seen answered. (And no, dear anonymous reader, I don't find the question offensive. I'm actually glad you asked.)

"I've been wondering why it's necessary to have the label.

Comments

[mgs_naughtycat]

Well, it IS selfish to decide not to bring a child into the world. I don't want my time sucked away by something that I am not 100% sure that I can stay patient with and not loose my temper at the wrong moment. Its very selfish of me to want to keep my time and my life as free as it is. I see NOTHING in the world wrong with that. Frankly, I'll stick to horses and dogs for a while. At least when things aren't going well, I have the option to remove myself from the situation until I can be in better control of myself to appropriately react. For some reason, thats not so simple when it comes to a child.
Have a child and end up unhappy with the decision because I now have no time to invest in the things I want and love, and am stressed out and worried all the time? Have a child and end up in DEBT by THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of dollars because children cost a HELL of a lot of money? WHY??? That makes no sense to me. I'm not up for putting myself in that kind of negative position.

Anyone that attempts to force, berate, badger, or otherwise shove me into that position is NOT looking out for *my* best interests. Which is sadly unfortunately realizing how many people will do that, including family.