To have made this decision?

[Mimsy123]

That after much thought and soul-searching, I have decided that I do not want to have kids?

That is your decision to make OP and a perfectly good choice. I mean this in a nice way, you dont need validation of a bunch of internet strangers.

Thank you Pickleypickles but do you think it is actually okay to have come to this conclusion?

Of course it's ok. Why wouldn't it be?

Of course it’s ok.

It’s your body and your life. I have several friends who are childless by choice.

You need to be straightforward with any partner of course.

Of course it’s ok, but as a pp said you need to be totally honest to any partner.

Definitely ok! Also be open to the possibility that you may change your mind, or you may not. Be honest with any partner to.

It's your life and your choice. It's absolutely fine to choose not to have kids!

it doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks but it's absolutely fine and I don't think it's that uncommon any more.

You absolutely do not have to have kids. It’s your choice and there are many good reasons to choose not to.

Ok by me. Stick to your choice.

Perfectly fine, but...
Accept you may change your mind! It happens!

Entirely your choice, I have a lot of respect for people who say 'actually, that's not for me' and live the life that does work for them. Having children is a massive thing and no one should be judged for choosing not to if it's not right for them. If you don't want to be a doctor or a teacher or whatever, it's perfectly acceptable to say so and it should be the same for being a parent!

Why would it be a bad decision?

My sister and her husband absolutely do not want, ever to have children. They have a fantastic life without them and are fulfilled in every way. Far far better to make that decision than to have children and resent them.

How old are you? If you’re 21 then I’m not surprised you don’t want kids - lots of people don’t at that age, and it’s a bit of a funny age to make such a certain declaration (as you have about 20 years to change your mind). If you are 33 then you may well not change your mind and of course it is entirely up to you either way.

Not having children shouldn't be seen as an odd choice or something you have to justify.

I sometimes think people should have to justify why they have children considering some of the parents and children I've come across.

I'm 37 and we don't want children. We enjoy our life, like our jobs, like our disposal income and feel like having children wouldn't be right for us.

It's 100% your choice and don't ever feel like you have to explain yourself.

I think it’s a bit patronising to say to someone who has said they do not want kids that they might change their mind. Would you say that to someone who wanted kids?

Whyever wouldn't it be ok?

I knew as a teenager that I didn't want kids & at 44 I know I made the right decision. It's not compulsory.

Yes, you would @Jaygee61

I nannied for a few years and decided I did not want children. I changed my mind 20 yrs later. It happens.

A person can choose to feel patronised or simply accept advice in the good spirit it was intended. After all, this is the AIBU thread!

OF course it’s ok.

Why are you looking for validation from strangers?

Its yoyr body your choice. In years to come you may change your mind. You may adopt. Or you may just be happy to choose nither.
As long as you are honest with any potential partners.
Do what is best for you OP

Thank you, all of you, for your replies. The only issue I have is that now I’ve made the decision that I don’t want kids, how I am going to tell them later when they come home.

Is that supposed to be funny?

I was about to say of course YANBU but seeing your update

I've had one of those days where I fully sympathise!