In response, many people who have embraced a childfree lifestyle are using social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts. Today, we’ve gathered some of their most insightful and often humorous tweets that shed light on the joys of life without children. Find them below! Elizabeth Hintz, an assistant professor in communication at the University of Connecticut, US, who’s studied perceptions of childfree identities, explains that there are different ways people arrive at this decision. “There are people who know early in life that they don’t want children and they never waver. There are people who come to the decision later in life and then proclaim it as a part of their identity. And then there are people who are sort of on the fence about whether to have children that might flip-flop back and forth.” “I love children. But I don’t plan on having any of my own,” writes Ursula Taherian for the Los Angeles Times. “It took me a long time to be able to say that out loud. And by ‘out loud’ I mean whispering it with a hint of uncertainty so as not to offend. Because when you’re a married woman of a certain age with no kids, people have questions. Fertility advice. Pity. Judgment. Lots of judgment.” And the reasons people decide to go childfree vary widely. Some say they’ve never pictured themselves as parents and never developed the desire to have a child. Others prioritize the freedom to travel and focus on their careers without restrictions. Additionally, some believe that the current state of the world is not safe or welcoming enough to raise a child in. It’s a lot to consider. Avoid making pros and cons lists, as they can keep you stuck. Instead, recall three decisions you made because you knew deep down they were right for you. Reflect on how good it felt to make those decisions. This is the sensation you should aim for when considering whether to have children. To do this, make a list of your fears about having children. Then, write down things you can’t stop thinking about or factors beyond your control (like age, health, career, relationship status). Set these lists aside and refrain from focusing on them until you know exactly what you want. “The why is important, not because you owe anyone an explanation but because you need to know what is driving your desire from the inside out so that you can be honest with yourself.” It’ll be easier to make the decision afterward. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
