Stop Setting Alarms on My Biological Clock

Newsweek via MSNBC ^ | 07/19/2007 | Carrie Friedman

[RockinRight]

July 23, 2007 issue - I am at a party chatting with a woman I know slightly. As her young son squirms out of her embrace, she slips her hand under my shirt. She's not getting fresh with me. She's touching my tummy with her cold hand and asking me, in a concerned voice, "Why aren't you pregnant yet?" I smile, break free from her touch, and head to the food table to fill said empty belly with her brat's birthday cake. I love children and definitely plan on having them. Maternal instinct is oozing out of my pores: I've infantilized my dogs; I've gotten down on my hands and knees at the park with babies I barely know. My marriage is wonderful and solid, and we are both blessed with good health. I've been a nanny, a teacher, a youth-group leader. I've taken childhood-development courses solely for the purpose of someday raising happy, balanced children. I have always looked forward to becoming a mother. So why don't I have kids or even the inkling right now? It's because of you. Yes, you: the fanatical mothers of the world.

[RockinRight]

I love children. My fiance and I want to have them. But, there is a segment here on FR that seems to fit the type this woman describes...and we know how these threads go!

[RockinRight]

FREERIDERS Ping!

[agent_delta]

Nice can of worms.
Best wishes to you and the soon to be Mrs. Right.

PS.. I would have slapped that woman’s hand ...

[Tijeras_Slim]

I tell nosy morons I can’t have children.

The really rude ones ask why?

I say it because I’m a guy you idiot!

[lonestar67]

I think this is a fascinating example of our self absorbed culture.

The fact that these self imposed anxieties are even published speaks volumes about the anti child mentality that increasingly dominates American culture.

I would love to see a similar article from the perspective of an unborn child.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I would love to see a similar article from the perspective of an unborn child.

John Edwards can write it after the primaries.

[RockinRight]

Self-absorbed? Why?

Tell me how. She has no unborn child. SHE’S NOT PREGNANT!

Therefore, what perspective do you speak of?

(This is EXACTLY the kind of holier-than thou crap I’m talking about)

[Hoodlum91]

Troublemaker!

[RockinRight]

[Millee]

Soooo..when ARE you knocking Hoodie up???

[RockinRight]

Why? Wanna witness it?

[Hoodlum91]

Can we get married first?

[Allegra]

But, there is a segment here on FR that seems to fit the type this woman describes...

You mean the ones who have all these perfect kids, and who know exactly the reason each and every one of us who does not have kids is child-free?

The ones who make sweeping assumptions and judge based on that?

You mean that segment? ;-)

[Tijeras_Slim]

Can we get married first?

Everybody loves a rebel!

[squishy]

Why? Wanna witness it?

Why not? I'm sure Millee's got 37 seconds she can spare.

[socialismisinsidious]

The situations this writer describes are rude beyond belief, but to make decisions based on what a bunch of morons are doing is stupid.

Also, she thinks she has it bad? The childless and 2.5 children families are just as obnoxious about big families. She should try having 7 children...people are full of asinine comments (once had a dental hygienists whisper in my ear "Ever heard of birth control?"...I was 5 months pregnant with baby number 6. Really, in today's world does anyone actually believe that someone wouldn't know about birth control?!)

[RockinRight]

Possibly...how did you guess? ;-)

[Allegra]

If the woman in this article wants to be allowed to vote, she’d better start cranking out the babies.

[RockinRight]

Yes, some childless people are rude too, it’s only fair to say that as well. The dental hygienist was rude, sure, but I think it was supposed to be a joke.

I say if you have 7 kids, more power to ya! But, if you say that everyone should have 7 as well, and if they choose not to they’re sinners or something, that’s wrong.

Not saying YOU do that. Just reiterating the point. The reverse is true also as you point out.

[Millee]

Sure! I'm always looking for a good laugh!