It is so interesting and wonderful the diversity out there. Everyone makes valid points and everyone is free to choose as they feel.
I am married and don’t ever plan to leave my marriage. We have two children. One grown and out on his own, one still living at home. Both are wonderful kids, both can be challenges at times. But then again, so can my husband and I. I also agree that most women initiate divorces. I live in a family dominated by men and as such realize how vulnerable they can be. Women CAN be nasty. So CAN men.
I also have a brother who is single and will continue to be so. He doesn’t wish to marry. I do worry about him in his old age. Will anyone care for him? Who will care for him? It is a valid question. Also, while of course we cannot depend on our children to care for us, I do believe family dynamics and the lifestyle and morals of how you raise a child/ren is ultimately the telling point of whether or not they will help you in your old age. That is where travel comes in. It is invaluable. Seeing how people, specifically families live around the world, how they treat their elders. Very important, and yes, unfortunately, sometimes changing for the worse. But I can’t help but specify, it is because of greed and a life surrounded by materialism and ungratitude that molds our youth, and some people in our culture.
The beauty behind this post is to think of possibilities. Not to follow others blindly in the herd, and to take the chance to live a life of possibilites. Enjoy, cherish, and love your life. If you don’t, make the changes that will make your heart sing. Jen has presented an alternative. This wonderful couple has presented a viable alternative. Why not!? They seem to have built a life on mutual trust and faith. Faith in themselves and the world around them. Jen has built a blog and family style that makes them happy. It too is an alternative. The point is. Do what makes you happy, materialism is great as a means to achieve an end (hopefully enjoying it), if you feel happy single, family-style, commune- style, childless, whatever. Inherent in ALL of them is risk. And NO ONE knows what the future holds for them. We can prepare, but we just don’t KNOW for certain. Isn’t it wonderful to follow the heart? Life takes faith.

You are amazing, isn’t it funny that people like us are always having to defend our position on our life choices… I am female, I dont have children, I dont want children, I dont want to be married. But these are judgements I have based on my situation only. I dont care what anyone else does. I just ask that people stop questioning what I dont do, and maybe think a bit harder about what they plan to do in the future….

As I am under 25 and on the way to being financially free, I feel people are more threatened by this, and wish to have me “explain my reasons” because I am shunning something that other people have just been raised to believe is the norm…

This does in no way mean I would ever put down a person for wanting or having kids, we make our own choices through our actions. I like my lifestyle, I love kids, this freedom gives me time to focus on my passion, working with children in poverty, because I was raised as one and got out of it.

I figure I could have 1-2 kids and work and maybe support them, but wouldnt it be more fufilling to NOT have kids, and have time and money to focus on more kids who arent mine and who didnt choose to be born in less than inspiring circumstances?

Allan has fantastic points everyone you just have to stop taking them so personally, he did not have that intention

Ella :D