December 9th, 2009 (12:50 pm)
Current mood: hungry
Yes, there is definite pressure. But, it's up to the person to stand up for the lifestyle they chose and not make themselves miserable just to fit what is socially acceptable.
I was always considered odd in my school years for not having boyfriends, or making out with guys I didn't even know, etc. I had very few boyfriends over my lifetime because it wasn't something I HAD to have. I always knew there may be someone special for me out there, but I had no desire to just 'play around' or settle for any guy b/c 'you are supposed to have someone'.
And now I do have that special someone who was more than worth waiting for that I have lots of things in common with, and can genuinely have fun with.
But, there are plenty of people who are happiest to remain single for life. I know sooooooo many people who are miserable in their marriages b/c they aren't with someone they truly love and consider the only person for them. They give in to society's pressure to marry as soon as you hook someone and end up being miserable.
I also do not want kids. Especially in these days where, after working in an elementary school and seeing first hand, kids are not 'kids' anymore. 2nd graders are bringing in porn and talking about sex. 3rd graders are breaking into each others' houses to beat them up. They don't know any cartoons b/c they only know horror movies and laugh when things are hurt or killed. etc.
I do not find babies 'cute' or 'fun' anyway. And I have no desire to go through a painful pregnancy and labor for one.
I also have a lot of hobbies and dreams I would have to give up if I had a kid.
And I cannot even tolerate having to sit near a crying baby in a restaurant, let alone having to live with one 24/7.
I always get the "Oh you're so selfish for not wanting kids!" crap. So what if I am selfish. We are all selfish in different ways. If I meet someone who doesn't have a dog, I don't yell at them saying "Well why not? You are too selfish to dedicate your time and money to a dog???" Dogs aren't for everyone, lizards aren't for everyone, and kids aren't for everyone either.
Matt and I have a wonderful future to look forward to together that doesn't involve giving up the things we enjoy for spending the day listening to a crying baby, changing diapers, preparing formula, packing and unpacking strollers and car seats and diaper bags every time we leave the house, etc!