Random question of the day

Before I get to that I need to ask something, something which actually has something to do with todays question in a roundabout sorta way: Why must the entire bathroom look like it was hit by a tidal wave after Tim takes a shower?

The only way you can tell I've just gotten out of the shower if you go in after me is there may be steam on the mirror and in the bathroom in general, and the bath rug may be a LITTLE damp. I just went in there after Tim's shower and the freshly washed bath rug is soaked, the floor is soaked, and there are wet footprints in the hallway and bedroom. Hey, I don't mind if things get wet, but at least you could dry it a little (or make an attempt, at least) before you see me go in there and about fall on my ass. And yes, Tim is my boyfriend, not my child. GRRR!

Which leads me to the question of the day: Do you want kids?

In a word, NO. I have many reasons for this, but being a mom isn't for me. I'm a great Aunt Mindy to my friends' kids and I love them dearly, but I don't have to worry about them all the time forever. People often tell me I'll change my mind, which I find a bit condescending. I know people usually don't think about it when they say that, but to me it means they aren't taking my decision seriously. I'm 33, and I've felt this way for a very long time. For some reason, if you just start having kid after kid after kid without thinking about it, that's acceptable. Actually thinking about the pros and cons for you (not for others) and deciding the best thing for a child is to NOT have you as a parent is seen as something bad. People think there's something wrong with your mental state if you don't want kids, especially if you are a woman. Some people have the nerve to tell you that you aren't a "real woman" because of it. Yes, because the only thing I should be is a child producer and nobody should see me as anything else.

As you can see, this is a bit of an issue with me because of the way people often act when they hear of my decision. Thankfully, it's not how my true friends and family act, and for that I'm very thankful. Many people get constantly pushed to have kids and that's not right. Why would anyone WANT somebody to have kids if that person doesn't want them? Then people wonder why there's so much child abuse. Ack!

Also, some people who don't want kids truly hate children. It doesn't mean they will go out of their way to harm them. If anything, it usually means they will go out of their way to avoid them. I do not hate children and like or love most I know. I say that because it's who I am, not because I'm being "apologetic" for being childfree. It amazes me sometimes how horrible women can be to each other for making different decisions when we should be accepting that some want a career, some want to be SAHMs, some want kids, others don't. Why is it such a big deal?