Childless Man Asks Reddit If He Is Wrong For Avoiding His Friends' Kids During Their Gatherings After They Accuse Him Of Being A Child Hater

Have you ever been asked by your family or friends, "Why are you still single?" or "When are you going to have children?" These might seem like simple questions, but they can be quite insensitive or offensive to others.

People have different goals and plans for their lives, including settling down at a certain age, buying property, starting a business, traveling, and so on, which they could add to their bucket lists. Although life is clearly not a race, it is undeniable that when you reach adulthood, particularly between the ages of 30 and 40, pressure from those around you regarding your life plans begins to surface, and having kids is definitely one of those pressures.

Some individuals do not have kids for various reasons, which may include health problems, financial constraints, or other factors that lead them to decide to live without having their own children.

There is a more open discussion about this concern in today's generation. However, the choice to have or not have a child is a personal decision that everyone should respect, as everyone has their own valid reasons.

An example would be this Redditor named hug-a-cat, a man in his early thirties who doesn't want to have children because he believes he is not equipped to raise one. As much as he likes children, he also has ADHD, which is triggered by a noisy environment, especially around kids.

Having children isn't for everyone.

For this reason, he chose to avoid them entirely. So, when he was invited to gatherings with friends who have kids, he opted to say no directly rather than risk hurting their feelings by saying anything about children that could be perceived as unkind. Instead, his friends have interpreted his actions as those of someone who hates children, even though they are aware of his condition.

StillWorksImagery (not the actual photo)

OP's post on Reddit community.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

Not planning to settle down like most people his age do.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

OP can't raise kids but gets along with them.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

His life, his rules, and his choices.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

Being around kids drains a lot of his energy.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

Sensory issues because of ADHD.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

If there are only kid-friendly hangouts to chill.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

Why children want to spend time with OP instead of their parents.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

He thought of an alternative way to avoid the kids instead of directly saying no to them.

Reddit-hug-a-cat

However, his friends quickly noticed it and called him out.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

They accused him of being selfish and hating the kids, which is not true.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

They pointed out how they can't just avoid their kids when they want to, insisting OP would do the same.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

His friends are guilt-tripping him for not hanging out with their children.

Reddit/hug-a-cat

#1 Do what is best for your mental well-being.

Reddit/BooBeans71

#2 They want to take a break and let you entertain their kids for them.

Reddit/hdkb824

#3 Parents should respect other people's time.

Reddit/Full_Worldliness1480

#4 You are just doing what is best for you and their children.

Reddit/No-Policy-4095

#5 It is your decision to not have children, and your reasons are valid.

Reddit/zwergschnauzer

#6 Not wanting to be around kids doesn't mean you hate them.

Reddit/fridgepickle

#7 If they wanted to spend time with YOU, it wouldn't matter if you show up when the kids are asleep.

Reddit/DelurkingtoComment

No matter how good your intentions are, explaining your side will be pointless if people choose to believe what they want to think. On the other hand, people who genuinely care for you will understand, considering that everyone isn't the same.

Have you ever encountered people who don't like to be around children? Share this story and your experience with your family and friends!