Woman Replies With A Joke To The "When Are You Going To Have Kids?" Question And Gets Banned From Family Halloween Party
It's just such a big deal to some people.
A few decades ago, people were expected to get married, have kids, buy a house, and establish a great career all before they turned 30. That was the common expectation, so conversations didn't usually turn sour when someone asked, "So, when are you going to have kids?"
Nowadays, however, more and more young adults are choosing to postpone having kids or to forgo parenthood altogether. Many of them have different reasons.
Some want to focus on establishing a career first and building the life they desire. Others want to experience everything life has to offer.
Some simply don't want kids because they lack the temperament for it or because they can't envision children in their lives. No matter what the reason is, we believe it's a valid choice because it's their life.
Unfortunately, despite what anyone tells them, some people still think it's acceptable to pester couples with the "When are you having kids?" question and act as if it's the only aspect of a marriage or partnership. This is that story.
Reddit user Noswellin shared that her diplomatic attempt to address the question and turn it into a light-hearted situation was taken as an offense by a family member. They kept pushing the issue, and it quickly escalated into a conflict that resulted in them being uninvited to the annual family Halloween party.
Read on for the full story.
Noswellin
The couple just wanted to show their family the new home they bought
NoswellinOne of OP's siblings-in-law couldn't help but pop 'that' question, though
Noswellin
To diffuse the situation in a lighthearted manner, OP tried to respond jokingly
Noswellin
The brother-in-law just can't seem to get over it, however
Noswellin
In the end, he felt offended and uninvited the couple to his annual Halloween party
Noswellin
It is important to note here that the Reddit user's intentions with the joke were simply to cut the conversation short. She actually likes kids and adores her nieces and nephews, but she just doesn't want kids of her own.
The democratic community of r/AITA has ruled that, in this case, she is not the bad guy.
One of the biggest reasons behind this ruling is that her in-law didn't have the right to judge her simply because he had it rough in his own family. He just wouldn't stop nagging about it, even though OP was trying to handle the situation in a light-hearted and polite manner.
Here are some of the best comments.
It's an illogical response in that argument since OP isn't even a parent nor wants to be one
Radiant-Legend
Is it because she's a woman? Seriously?
jessdb19
This is so true! It's the kids who are going to suffer the most.
not_cinderella
They're illogical and they're butthurt
sa5m_i_am
You don't get to be mad about someone's choice in life, especially if they're not affecting yours
RedoubtableSouth
This person's answer is also a winner
Thia-M3762
"Sorry, but we think the cats will get overwhelmed and stressed with kids around."
Noswellin
It was truly a classy move to deal with the situation, but Alex chose to get butthurt for no valid reason
budding_clover
His bitterness apparently got to him
l3rambi
There's nothing wrong with not wanting to bring a child into the world, especially if you know you can't care for them properly
MaybeAWalrus
He should also reflect on his mistakes right there
Accomplished_Twist_3
Alex also needs to respect OP and her husband's decisions
LeoSolaris
That is a very effective line to keep people out of your business pretty quickly
curious_seahorse1
Yes! Kids just aren't for everyone
TryTongue_ButHole
Sorry, but their inability or difficulty in having kids is not a burden anyone else should carry
imarebelpilot
How does pestering other people help them anyway?
0biterdicta
That's why it's easier to decide before having kids, right?
Randomaccount45343
It's not about you, Alex.
Dry_Faithlessness135
It's like he was just looking for something to sulk about
a_peanut
It's always child-free folks who have to defend their life choices
PotatoLover-3000
People make the decision to stay child-free because they know themselves better than anyone else, and those around them can't dictate otherwise. It's their life, and they have the right to that choice.
Unfortunately, Alex doesn't seem to understand that because of his own concept of an ideal family. Hopefully, the family can work through this, and congrats to OP on their new house!