Too extroverted (and also too picky) to have kids

DISCUSSION

I know many introverts are childfree (or CF-leaning fencesitters), which makes perfect sense

In my case, it's the extroversion that would be a problem if I had kids (well, one of the many problems).

I need lots of social contact and interaction with my friends, with people who share the same interests as me. That's why (despite being autistic, and therefore socially disabled) I often go to sci-fi/fantasy conventions, medieval fairs, festivals and other events.

I also need lots of interactions with my partner (with both of us giving each other our full attention).

Having a kid would destroy my social life and my existing friendships. Because it would take lots of money, time and energy, because my whole planning would revolve around the kids' needs. And also, because I'm not one of those assholes who would either

  • try to mould the kid into a "mini-me" who shares the same interests/hobbies as me
  • bring their kid (especially small kid) in places more appropriate for adults (and sometimes teens and older kids), where it will inconvenience everyone else.

In addition, it would also mean my partner and I would focus on the kid, instead of each other, and have little (if any) moments just together.

So, having a kid would be a life of loneliness, deprived of meaningful and fun social contact.

Parents would say "sure, but you would have interactions with your kid instead, so you would never be alone".

Not for me. Because while I'm extroverted (high need for frequent social interactions), I'm also socially "picky". I only draw energy and happiness from interacting with people I genuinely like and respect, people whose personalities are compatible with mine, people who have similar interests to me. And let's be honest, people who are smart enough for me (that part matters a lot, too).

I'm not compatible with most people, and statistically would probably not be compatible with my (potential) kid either. I would have to pretend to love and like them, and pretend to enjoy being around them, while really feeling lonely.
(Or at least, I would try to pretend... I'm a terrible actor, I suck at hiding my true feelings, or at faking happiness and love. So the kid would eventually realize the truth).

Because while there would be a person physically close to me (the kid), it wouldn't be a person that I can interact with as a peer and deeply connect with.

It may be different for stereotypical extroverts who genuinely love and like (and can connect with) everyone, regardless of personality type, values, interests, intelligence level and so on. But I'm definitely NOT one of those extroverts.

Posted Jun 14, 2026, 12:16 PM UTC

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