I cannot count the number of times a relative of mine has asked me "do you want children?" I reply with "not really," or "I do not see it in my future." Their faces are always shocked and will say "you will change your mind," or "that's a bit selfish, don't you think?" I usually sit and agree with them that maybe I will want a child when I grow up because society and the people around me have plastered this picture into my brain. I usually avoid the topic because I am intimidated by how others may view me and judge the "selfish" life I want to live.

I am here to today to say STOP.

Stop telling me what I want in my future. Just because this milestone changed your life, and many others', it doesn't mean it is right for me.

Stop making me feel guilty for not wanting to bring another life into this world. That this is the only way I will fulfill myself and nothing is more rewarding than watching someone you created grow up.

Stop judging me and others who want to focus on themselves and have a different route than the one you traveled down. I am sure if you dislike tea and I force you to drink it because it altered my life you would not be pleased.

The amount of pressure parents have to keep their children safe and healthy is absolutely insane. Seeing the number of obstacles my mum has helped me overcome in the past and the bumps in the road she has gone over to keep me secure and well looked after is beyond my belief.

I can honestly say I would never have the ability to raise anyone and I know I could never give this much to another human being. I do not see this as selfish, I see this as knowing what my capabilities are and this is nowhere near my radar.

This is someone who would witness every mistake and flaw you possess. On top of constantly worrying about every detail of their life, you have to stress about making choices that could affect their whole world. Continuously wondering if you are disciplining them enough or too much. If what you are feeding them is right or if the expectations you have for them are too high.

I respect parents who are lucky enough to have the selflessness to raise a child, but this path is not in my deck of cards, and I hope you realize that I will still live a happy and content life.

Instead, start believing in what I think is best for myself. For starters, I know I want to become a social media manager, have a house inspired by Anthropologie, and live with a ginger cat. Start listening to why I do not want to follow a traditional pattern of getting married and having kids behind a white picket fence. The fact is, I still am trying to figure out my path but this part of it has been decided and your opinion will never change how I feel about this subject. Start letting me live my own life by my rules. Who I choose to bring into this world does not concern you. Who knows, maybe I will change my mind in the distant future and everyone can say "I told you so." But at this very moment, I cannot see a mini-me in the future.

So stop labeling me as selfish and start respecting what I want for myself.