Skip to comments.
The rude `When are you having a baby?' question
Mercury News ^
| January 10, 2006
| Dear Abby question
Posted on 01/11/2006 12:58:24 AM PST by beaversmom
click here to read article
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 141-160, 161-180, 181-200 ... 321-324 next last
To: wouldntbprudent
It's one thing to "choose" childlessness (though many still regret it later). It's quite another to become childless because you mistakenly thought you could put off the babies until it was more convenient (or whatever).I'm a 28 year old male and childless. Am I making a mistake because I didn't just go marry and knock up the first girl I dated (who later ended up in an insane asylum, true story...for another day)? I'm not waiting for "convenience," I'm waiting for a suitable partner.
I realize that as a man, I have a larger window (no menopause, etc) but still...
161
posted on
01/11/2006 10:08:39 AM PST
by
RockinRight
(The Republicans Suck Less than the Democrats)
To: frgoff
The couple who can, but chooses not to have children are the ultimate in selfishness, for they demand that the future pay for their present. Really? Why is that?
162
posted on
01/11/2006 10:10:25 AM PST
by
gogeo
(Often wrong but seldom in doubt.)
To: beaversmom
I usually respond to this with someting equally obnoxious like "and give up my crack? NO Way!"
To: beaversmom
I'm a conservative Christian, artist, married, and childless by choice. I'm almost 41. My hubby and I love short visits with little ones in our extended families, but we are admittedly selfish in that we treasure our time alone (together).
I don't get offended when folks ask the questions until they get a judgemental scowl on their faces after about the 4th or 5th question, when I admit that I don't WANT kids.
My mother and MIL are the worst. They get angry and loud about it. When the two of them are together, they all but DEMAND we give them a grandchild!
I think I'd be willing to have a baby if hubby changed his mind within the next year or two, but I honestly don't hear a clock ticking or feel panicked to have a baby. My body is not totally gross, but it isn't that great either, so I'm not trying to hold onto a figure that is not there.
I truly admire anyone who chooses motherhood. I know it is such an awesome responsibility, sacrifice, etc.
164
posted on
01/11/2006 10:12:10 AM PST
by
Muzzle_em
("Get busy LIVING or get busy dying")
To: Allegra
Since you're female that would be even more funny than coming from a guy...
165
posted on
01/11/2006 10:15:31 AM PST
by
RockinRight
(The Republicans Suck Less than the Democrats)
To: beaversmom
Some people aren't happy unless they are miserable and making others the same way. A simple question isn't reason for you to get all twisted out of shape.
You don't want to have kids? Cool. They would probably be as maladjusted and selfish as you. Some children are much better off never being conceived considering the screwed up parents they would inherit.
166
posted on
01/11/2006 10:20:20 AM PST
by
Dr.Zoidberg
(Mohammedism - Bringing you only the best of the 6th century for fourteen hundred years.)
To: beaversmom
I don't think you have to get hostile at people making an inquiry over something the majority of us do. Well, you don't have to get hostile if some joker takes it upon himself to question you about the details of your sexual habits, bowel movements, etc. However, it would be perfectly understandable if you did.
I remember hearing about an old school friend who was sent an inquiry about attending the upcoming highschool reunion.
This is why I made sure to give my high school and college a bogus address and phone number. Cuts down on useless invitations to events that conflict with a subsequent engagement, and shuts down one source of telepest calls to boot.
167
posted on
01/11/2006 10:21:49 AM PST
by
steve-b
(A desire not to butt into other people's business is eighty percent of all human wisdom)
To: Dyslexic Mom
How about the always pleasant "Oh, my GAWD! You're so skinny! You need to gain some weight! Even just a little...
Yes, I get that one a lot too.
To: Dr.Zoidberg
I am so thankful for the birthparents who recognize they are not ready to be parents and chose adoption as an option for their child.
169
posted on
01/11/2006 10:23:08 AM PST
by
pnz1
To: mewzilla
Who does more harm? The couple who doesn't want kids and doesn't have them? Or the couple who doesn't want kids and has them anyway?
Indeed. And the latter are more apt to be neglectful and want an increase in government child care services, at taxpayer expense of course.
Of course, if the former aborts as a form of avoiding having children, then that is also appalling.
To: Criminal Number 18F
Maybe one can't have kids because of an STD, a botched abortion, or because one is queer as a three-dollar bill... things like that are your business and the world doesn't need to be told about them and really isn't asking for that level of detail -- WTMI! Hmmm... that's another good way to dispose of such rude personal questions: invent an answer replete with TMI details until the pest flees.
171
posted on
01/11/2006 10:26:47 AM PST
by
steve-b
(A desire not to butt into other people's business is eighty percent of all human wisdom)
To: Dr.Zoidberg
A simple question isn't reason for you to get all twisted out of shape.I agree. Just looking at the person and rolling your eyes, or saying "It's none of your business" generally stops unwanted questions or comments.
172
posted on
01/11/2006 10:26:48 AM PST
by
MEGoody
(Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.)
To: CounterCounterCulture
"if the former aborts as a form of avoiding having children, then that is also appalling."
And the nosey parkers who ask "why don't you have children?" hopefully won't be so appalling themselves as to demand that information!
To: Allegra
Ain't that the truth. Me too.
:-)
How are you Allegra? I haven't talke to you in an age!
174
posted on
01/11/2006 10:28:31 AM PST
by
RikaStrom
(The number one rule of the Kama Sutra is that you both be on the same page.../Exeter 051705)
To: gogeo
Actually, in order to be a parallel construction, the question would have to be about you, not your wife.
But don't worry, I have a high tolerance level for rude people, too!
175
posted on
01/11/2006 10:28:35 AM PST
by
gridlock
(It's not really a Circus until Teddy Kennedy gets out of the Clown Car...)
To: MEGoody
I'm not sure that (regarding infertility at least) that people who have not experienced it really understand how hard it is to deal with for a lot of people. They may ask questions not understanding that it is hard to talk about.
176
posted on
01/11/2006 10:28:36 AM PST
by
pnz1
To: pnz1
As am I.
There's nothing worse, in my opinion, than a person who screws around, gets pregnant(as a couple) and then murders a child just to clean up a mistake. Birth control by the blade is evil and those who do it are less than animals in my view.
If you aren't up to being a parent, don't f*ck around. If you do and get caught, don't compound your mistake by butchering an innocent.
There are many out there who would love to adopt a baby, any baby.
177
posted on
01/11/2006 10:31:15 AM PST
by
Dr.Zoidberg
(Mohammedism - Bringing you only the best of the 6th century for fourteen hundred years.)
To: Allegra
Sister!
I've had the same idiot question asked over and over....
Even had a lecture once from someone I barely knew about if I didn't have children, I'd die old and alone (thankyouverymuch idiot!)
Mine situation was due to a prolonged illness and subsequent surgery. Heck, I'm happy to be alive. Geez louise.
178
posted on
01/11/2006 10:31:56 AM PST
by
najida
(When I'm good, I'm very very good, and when I'm bad, things get broken.)
To: Allegra
Great post, Allegra. I could have written your post and I know many others who could have also.
I don't at all mind the questions "Are you married?" and "Do you have kids?" as long as people leave it there when I answer in the negative. But if it's followed by a "why?" query I do think that's intrusive and none of their business, just as it's none of my business to ask someone who has children why they had as many as they did, or why they didn't have more, or why in the world they married who they did, etc.
To: Oztrich Boy
I feel that if you are asked a personal question you don't wish to discuss, you should reply in a way that is rude. (Hoe else are they going to learn?) GMTA.
180
posted on
01/11/2006 10:36:09 AM PST
by
steve-b
(A desire not to butt into other people's business is eighty percent of all human wisdom)
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 141-160, 161-180, 181-200 ... 321-324 next last
Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson