On the other side of the coin, it’s sad that we have lost the tradition of the Celibate Laywoman. There is no respect anymore for the woman who decides against having a family because it is assumed she’s doing it for the prestige or the money or the sexual freedom. We need to teach our daughters that, if they truly do not wish to marry, they it does not inevitably require wallowing in the excesses of this world.
I'm glad you said that, because I've been reading this thread and thinking that nothing here resonates with me. I never wanted children, so I didn't have them and am single. Yes, with cats! I've loved cats since I was a small child, down in Grandpa's barn cuddling with them. My mom gave me a doll and it creeped me out. I knew very young that family just wasn't for me. I'm kind to others in a distant sort of way, but that's all.
But that doesn't mean I'm either a sexual adventuress or a money-hungry career woman. I'm just sort of a natural Spinster Libriarian type. I live in spartan simplicity with books, cats, and a rose garden. Kind of a Miss Marple, but not so inclined to become enveloped in a murder mystery.
I guess this conversation ultimately doesn't have anything to do with me, as it's about "having it all" when I didn't want any of it.