Be honest: Do you think single and childfree people are less than?

[Sonervousimgonnathrowup]

I am that person.
It suits me.
But fucking hell do I get comments, questions and often it seems like I’m treated like a second-class citizen.

Do people still today look down on single / childfree people?

No. And anyone who does is odd. Your choices are your choices and nobody's business but your own.

Ignore whoever says you're less than anyone. They are just jealous of what you have.

Why would anyone think that? I am often envious of children people as they have more freedom and money I would suggest it's the opposite of what you imagine

Definitely not. Whether it's by choice or not, surely most of us are past not realising a happy, fulfilling life can come in all different forms.

I would feel like you are missing some experience and emotions that can't be replicated, but you might also have opportunities to experience things that I couldn't.

I certainly don't.
I have 3 children and envy your freedom.

Those questioning you are just jealous you can do what you want when you want as you have made different choices from them.

Nope. You know what they say though, opinions are like arseholes, everyone’s got one.

I’m happily single (but not childless) so I also get judged in my own way, and some married people almost act like it’s contagious! 😂

Just live how you want, as long as it makes you happy.

Nope. That's such a backwards old fashioned way of thinking. I would hope that in the 21st century people who think like that would be in the minority.

No

No I don’t, the only thing I think is how rubbish it must be to not be able to share living expenses.

Absolutely not! Of course you're not less than - that's awful!

Absolutely not. I gaze upon you with envy from my sleep deprived, financially- and time-poorer state.

Having a child is a love like you'll never know....but you'll never know it so you're not missing out! And you've maintained your full sense of self, better sleep, better career opportunities, ability to keep your own timetable and can structure your life around yourself.

I actually read this and thought less than what. No, never heard of such a thing or witnessed it

Nope. I'm single and childfree (by choice) and my life isn't less than that of others, it's just different.

Can we play the Childfree Thread drinking game?

• Sips for anyone who says "Well, yes I do because [insert tedious reason here]";
• Gulps for "You don't know love until you've had a child; and
• Drink everything in the house for "Why are childfree people on MUMSnet?"

Ok that’s one gulp already…….

Yes. The world is set up for couples and families. You're not quite safe enough for dinner parties etc. No one says it, but it's how things are.

My taxes are also paying for schools etc, so I am contributing to society, but you don't have to spend long out there before it's clear you're not quite good enough on your own.

I never noticed this when I was single and child free

I definitely think some people look down on childless women, but I think it's rooted in misogyny (the old idea that women's main role in life is to produce kids). I think for others, there's sme envy at the freedom of single / childless women and they cover that up by deciding they feel sorry for them instead.

There are a myriad of threads on here to show that some people have strong opinions about childfree people. There was one last week even.

People will have opinions. Doesn't mean we have to pay attention to them.

No, of course not. I've also never heard anyone make any type of comment that could possibly convey this type of opinion, but then again I'm possibly not tuned in to it because it doesn't involve me.

Exactly. This is my experience as well.

No! I wish I were you.

No, honestly I think they are more than.

I think it shows that someone is just really able to just 'be' and doesn't need to live for anyone else which is something I envy.

I see so many comments of women who say things like "my life didn't start till I had children" and that doesn't sit right with me.

I want children, but part of me is jealous of those who are able to be happy (or happier) without.

No, I think they’re wise 😁

Couldn’t care less about other people’s life choices, including those who choose to remain single/child free. If I have the occasional passing thought, it might be envy, upon being woke at 5:30am for the millionth time by my 3yo.