From what started as a rant, this thread has turned out to be pretty interesting. This topic hits close to home with me since my wife and I are DINKs for life. We decided about 5-6 years ago that kids weren't for us. We're both 30 now and our thoughts on the matter haven't changed one bit (F you maternal/fraternal clock).
I have friends with and without kids. I've also lost many friends because of kids. I don't blame them. Between work, daily life, and kids, parents run out of time for friends and I know all too well where I sit on the priority list. I take those friends with a grain of salt, they made their choice, so life goes on. Some of my friends stuck around after kids, but outings with them are far and few between. It's usually more online contact than anything.
In the end there has to be compromise on both sides of the table for friendship to last, but that really applies to all relationships (with or without kids).
EdWort said:
yeah, that bothers me. The childless are missing something....children who grow up and perpetuate the species and BTW, are usually there to provide comfort, love and help in one's old age. There are lots of "childless" people who will grow old and die alone.
If only I had a nickel for everytime that I heard that I was missing out.
In the end it's a trade-off, just like everything else in life. I'm trading in children for freedom. As horrible as that sounds, it's the truth. My wife and I will continue to do what we want, when we want. Parents aren't allowed that luxury. We'll miss out on raising another human to hopefully excel and become successful in life as part of that trade. I guess I'll have to spoil the crap out of my nieces and nephews and live vicariously through my brothers and sister.
Are we going to grow old and die alone? Both of us will grow old, but only one of us will die alone. I'm crossing my fingers that it's me so my wife won't have to deal with that. But that's how it goes. Buy the ticket, take the ride!
....Whew.... /rant