To feel sick

[SashaPearce]

Early 40s. Never had a relationship, will probably never have a child. Friend with kids, in a wonderful marriage, has messaged me with pics about their newest arrival. I know I have to send congratulations, probably a present. AIBU to want to delete the photos and not reply. I do my best to be happy for them, and all the others, but it just feels so unbelievably cruel - I almost wind up feeling like they’re trying to hurt me, although of course I know that’s nonsense. Why do some people have to live with this pain.

Not at all unreasonable, being childless for reasons out with your control is so hard. Give yourself some grace. May be worth sourcing some counselling? Thinking about alternative ways to fill what appear to be a void for you? Whether that is relationships, other means of becoming a parent or pursuit of something entirely different. Your feelings are important too.

no YANBU. I agree with the pp - acknowledge your feelings and give yourself some grace. Your feelings matter.

Why not have a child? Lots of ways to go solo these days!

You don't have to be in a relationship to have a child!

Go it alone

I know it's probably not much help OP, but the older I get the more convinced I am that no-one escapes having some sort of pain, or some area of life that never works out no matter how you try. It's just that you don't always see other people's pain, and when you do, it still feels as if your pain is worse to bear than theirs must be. Even so, I understand that irrational feeling that you feel like people are taunting you, even though you know it's not true.