Why I don't want children:

1) I am not a family-oriented person. I don't see myself settling down and starting a family in the future, so I guess it would make sense to say that I don't see children in my future either. I was never really able to warm up to the idea of having a family of my own. When I was a child, I never even gave it much thought - I just figured, "Oh well... That's what everyone else is doing. I might wind up doing it too." However, as I got older, I grew increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of it. A family-oriented lifestyle was just unappealing to me. I was leaning toward a different kind of life for myself, and I still am.

2) Don't get me wrong. I think babies are adorable, with their tiny hands and feet and chubby cheeks. But they're not that special to me. I'm perfectly happy just smiling at them and going about my business, knowing that I am not obligated to take care of them. Just because I think they're cute does not mean that I want any of my own. Kittens are cute too, and they're far more self-sufficient (not to mention less expensive.)

3) Call me selfish all you want, but I'll be much happier taking care of myself and myself alone. What's so wrong with that? Besides, people who have babies can be just as (if not more) selfish. Let's examine some popular, but selfish reasons for having children:

- "I want to achieve immortality through my children. I want to carry on MY genes."
- "I want somebody to take care of ME when I get old."
- "It is imperative to MY lifestyle. How would I look in front of all the other wives and mothers who all have kids of their own? I want children for MYSELF too."

In other words, "I want children because it would make ME happy."

Look, there's nothing wrong with being selfish every now and then, okay? That said, I don't see how their selfishness is any "better" than mine... and if you claim to be completely unselfish and altruistic, then you're either lying or completely delusional.

4) I am not giving in to to social pressures and having a child just because it's what society wants me to do. I am not popping out babies and bringing people into this world "just for the sake of it", without considering carefully whether or not I truly want to do it. Too many people ask the question "Why don't you want children?" In my honest opinion, that's the wrong question. They should really be asking "Why do you want children?" because the way I see it, your reasons for having children can determine the kind of parent you would be, which would have a much more significant impact on your offspring's future than my little old reasons for not having any in the first place. In fact, since I'm not going to have any children, then I'm pretty much out of the picture.

5) I mentioned before that I think babies are cute. That said, they may be cute... but they're hellions! Not to mention, they get worse when they get older - and they stop being cute around that time as well. Hell, if babies weren't so cute, then I wouldn't be able to tolerate them at all! I guess their innocence is endearing as well, but that doesn't last either.

6) I like my freedom, thank you very much. I like my figure too.

7) Judging from my mentality, I SHOULDN'T be having children! However, that does not mean that my mentality is bad or wrong - it's just not suitable for the particular path that is parenting. I mean, come on! I'm not a "family person", I'd rather just take care of myself, and I don't think that babies are all that wonderful anyway, so what's the point in me having children?

Would I ever change my mind? Maybe, maybe not. Still, it's annoying to hear "You'll change your mind (when the right person comes along.)" whenever I mention my stance. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. But how the fuck do you know?

Seriously, people need to mind their fucking business. You don't hear me asking people who want children: "But... why?" Yet apparently it bothers other people so much that (GASP!) somebody - let alone a female - does not want to have children. 'Cause, you know, women are supposed to want babies, since it's like, their purpose on this planet to be mothers and all that. Yeah... okay then.

And just in case some over-sensitive little puss who stumbles upon this entry comes on here, whining about how "insulting" my post is, getting on the defensive and taking everything I say here as a personal attack, then I'll add a little disclaimer:

I have no problem with people who have children, want children, or are going to have children. But since people seem to get a lot more flack from society for wanting to remain childless, I felt compelled to express my views on the matter, and clarify how I feel - not necessarily for other people, but for myself. You do your thing, and I'll do mine, okay? Peace.