When you dream of the future, do you picture kids?
Like many others, I have been struggling hard for many years to figure out whether or not I want kids. I always thought it would become clear, but I am now 32 and it's still a big source of inner turmoil.
However, I possibly had an epiphany and wonder if anyone can relate? From when I was a little girl to now, at each stage of my life when I pondered my hopes and dreams, planned my future, and came up with what I was looking forward to next, not even ONCE did kids ever enter into my thoughts. It was: excel in school, get my own apartment, find a good job, excel in my career, find a life partner, wedding, house, financial stability, get a dog, travel the world, etc.
Today if I did this exercise I'd say: I can't wait to travel to XYZ country, further my career, fix the house, experience new restaurants, go to concerts and comedy shows, etc. Then I realize, oops, I never once thought: I want a family/kids.
Surely people who want kids would think of them when they picture their life and what they're excited about? Is it really this simple? Have I known all along that I don't want kids because I've never actively wanted them?
Posted Jul 9, 2025, 11:14 PM UTC