"In spite of all that, the thing we mourn is the steady loss of friendships with many friends who have children." ~ This!

Take another look at some of the comments here. There are some nasty comments from mothers.

Happy birthday. I do understand how you feel. *hug*

Yes, it is complicated, I agree. What I am always shocked by is how, when these type of articles come up (as rare as they are, compared to all the articles on childrearing), so many people (women especially) who have children get nasty and defensive about it, going on the attack towards those of us who don't have…

Oh, I'm getting a lot worse about it as I get older. I have a family event this summer that I'm dreading because someone is going to ask, and I'm at the point that I very well may tell them off.

I appreciate that, thank you.

I totally agree!

Yes, it would be reported anyway. I've seen a report like this about a bigamist douchecanoe who doesn't make sure that this family is taken care of every couple of years, and no, they're not always military people.

No, I don't think that is it. Usually his colleagues (from grad school on....) are confused when they find out that I don't have a higher degree, because I fit in so well with everyone, and I really love books, as well as having a small business.

So it is 'freakish' for a single woman to own (or want to own) a three bedroom house? And only childless people live in 'the city'? Wow.

I agree.

On a more hopeful side, I know a few househusbands. They're good dads, who take care of the kids and the house. They get a lot of shit from assholes, but I think they're great.

Great points!

You are SO lucky!

Yes! The vitriol I have experienced (from everyone from family to acquaintances) has been breathtaking. I don't even bother to explain anymore, because I can tell that they take my explanation as a judgement on their reasoning, when it is nothing of the sort.

Your complaint seems to be that it is wrong that women without children want to be acknowledged as just as good as women with children. Your complaint is that it is all about you, even when it isn't. This article is about women who are clearly not like you. You have denigrated all of us, by comparing our journey to…

Nope, not jealous, just noting that what you're complaining about isn't matched by reality.

I did say "...people that I know...," not "...ALL liberal people EVERYWHERE..."

Sounds wonderful! ; ) I tend to spend a lot of time online, instead....

"I wish all the opened minded, loving, liberal people of the world were more open and accepting of having children." ~ Mary Bland.