Any exciting news?

I hate this question: “Any exciting news?”

People often ask it assuming that if you’ve been with your partner for many years, the “exciting news” must be a pregnancy announcement.

As if having a baby happens easily for everyone.

As if everyone is on the same timeline.

As if there aren’t private struggles, losses, and heartbreaks behind a polite smile.

What may seem like a harmless question can be incredibly painful for those facing infertility or trying to conceive. Every time I hear it, it shakes me.