Sunday, April 21, 2013

"So, when are you having kids?"

The dreaded question.  How do you answer it? 

I met up with a group of ladies this past week that I haven't seen in years.  Most of them I don't think I've seen since I got married over 4 years ago.  The morning of, while I was getting ready, I was thinking about the question.  It was likely that I would be asked, and I wanted to be ready to answer it. 

Caution needs to be used in your answer.  You don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable.  Afterall, it's not their fault I haven't been able to have a baby.  They don't know I am having struggles.  And maybe if I answer in a particular way, it will help them to be more sensitive in the future if another woman is in the same boat as me and has no kids.

I struggled to find the perfect answer.  Do you just be upfront and say it how it is? "Well we've been trying to 22 months and it seems I can't fall pregnant."  Or do you sugar coat it? "We've been trying for a little while now but I'm sure it will happen!"  Or just kinda lie? "Shouldn't be much longer now!!!" 

I couldn't decide how to respond and I still don't know.  Luckily I wasn't asked. 

I used to be able to just say it as it was and be upfront, but I find it more difficult to be that way because it makes me sad to hear myself say it out loud.  Plus, I don't like to make people feel like a bad person for asking it when they happen to be pregnant for the fourth time in 5 years because they are extremely fertile......

5 comments:

Donna said...

Christy, while reading this my heart breaks for you. I can't ever imagine what this journey is like for you other than what I have experienced with family and friends who have walked down the same road. BUT, I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and I will always be here for you whether you need a shoulder to cry on, a chat, a laugh or you need a plain old fashioned rant - I will be here for you whatever happens. Hugs, Dongella Xx

Maioha said...

I hated that question because the answer was so hard. So I would smile and say "eventually" as if getting pregnant would either be a happy accident or deliberately not for a while yet.

Christy Franklin said...

Thanks Dons & Maioha. Maioha, I like that answer. It's the happy medium really... I might try and use it next time.

Stacey and Stephen Kirsch said...

You know I hear ya! It's a tough thing to deal with especially being a member and basically knowing that having children is one of your main purposes as a woman. It sucks! Hang in there and get some answers.

Girl in Baggy Greens said...

Ugh. Hated that question too.
My response usually depended on my mood, probably not a good thing. Being on hormone treatment made me unpredictable.