I try to avoid the topic of children as much as possible with people because half the time, I'm looked at as if I'm some heartless witch for saying I'm not really fond of them.

There's no rhyme or reason as to why I feel this way. I've grown up in a kid friendly home, I'm not an only child, and my extended family is littered with children of all ages. But for me, kids are annoying and I don't like them. I don't want them.

When I say kids are annoying and I don't like them, I just mean the idea of them. That doesn't mean I can't like certain kids. All my younger cousins are hysterical, fun, active little munchkins that I could hang out with all day. I can meet a newborn and appreciate the beauty that this little baby brings into the world. I can "ooh" and "ahh" at all the little yawns they let out, the button nose they might have, or the way they cry when they want something. I can see a kid in a commercial and think, "Damn, what a cute kid!"

But would I want one of my own? As in, do I wish to have a daughter or son?

No.

I don't really understand why that's such a hard concept for some people to accept. You tell them you're not interested in having kids and all of a sudden you're a demon. You're delusional. You're not a real woman.

I get this response quite often. Mostly - no, especially – from women! I'm expected to take on this motherly persona in which I burst into tears at the sight of a three month old wearing a cute outfit or when I see a four year old make a funny face. I'm expected to feel the inherent desire to coddle someone when they cry. I have to want kids because if I don't, what am I going to do later in life?

The truth is, I don't feel that pang in my heart that makes me excited to start a family. I don't day dream about what my kids names will be. I don't have baby fever. I don't know if I ever will.

All I know is that I'm 22 years old right now. I have graduated college. I have gained merits from organizations and professors. I have friends who I like to spend time with. I have had my fair share of failed and successful relationships. I continue to strive for the best for me at this current time.

I plan on going to graduate school. I plan on starting my career. I plan on marrying someday, not any time soon. I plan on traveling like no other. I plan on eating new foods, drinking new wines, exploring new activities. I plan on getting a kick-ass apartment or house in the city of my dreams. I plan on spending my days doing what I want, when I want. I don't see what's so wrong with that.

Besides, whether or not I want a kid is irrelevant. I know this because notice in the paragraph above, the main concept is "me, me, me."

I am obviously not ready to even entertain the idea of a kid, let alone am I ready for an actual tiny human at any time. Why? Because I am selfish.

Selfish has been made to be such a dirty word. Of course, in the traditional sense, selfish isn't a good thing to be. But in this case, I think my selfishness is justified because it's my life, my body, and my choice. I'm young! I want to do what I want to do and then when I feel I've done it all, I'll think about kids.

Who knows? When I'm 30, I could very well change my mind. I could decide out of the blue to birth 7 of those monsters, but who are you to tell me "Oh, you'll change your mind" when I tell you that I'm not interested in having kids?

How can I give life to something when I can hardly remind myself to eat breakfast in the morning? What reason would I have behind having a child when I can't afford one? Why would I want a kid when more often than not, I don't even know what I want to do with my free time? I'm young. I change my mind at the drop of a hat. That's what I'm supposed to do. Why would anyone expect me to know when I want to get married, have kids, or settle down?

"You won't feel fulfilled."

"What about your family?"

"What will you do with your life if you don't have kids?"

"If you wait too long, you'll be sorry. The biological clock is ticking!"

If you feel the need to say any of these phrases to anyone ever, just pause for a second and think about how your comments will affect the person you're speaking to. No two people are the same and if someone says they don't want to have kids, then maybe it's for the best that you two agree to disagree on the topic.

And again, who knows what the future holds? I could change my mind. Or I could not.

I could save all my money and live a kick-ass life with my future husband, family, and friends. I could eat all the sushi and soft cheese I want. I could drink all the wine I want. I could work out the way I want. I could travel where I want. I could work where and as much as I want. I could own as many pets as I want. I could do whatever I want.

A life of complete freedom. Now that would be fulfilling.