Uncovering the Hidden Struggles of a Former Religious Believer
Section 1: The Religious Upbringing
The author grew up in a very religious household where the church they attended, upon reflection, was revealed to be a Christian cult disguised as a non-denominational church. This upbringing instilled in them the idea that their highest purpose in life was to be a wife and mother. For years, they went through life in their 20s believing that having children was the only way forward, even though they never enjoyed playing with baby dolls and had no desire to be pregnant. The very thought of it was mortifying to them.
However, during college, they were exposed to the real world and began to question these ingrained beliefs. They realized that they did not have to have children and that it was okay not to want them. This realization was a turning point in their life.
Section 2: Family Reactions
When the author left the church and started expressing their lack of desire for children and indifference to marriage, they faced a lot of pushback from their family. Their dad's wife once said that when their friends had kids, they would lose them because they would see them as cold and heartless for not wanting children. This kind of reaction shows the difficulty of breaking away from traditional family values.
But fast-forward 15 years, and it became clear that the author's stance was not a phase. By their mid-30s, people realized that they were genuine in their decision. They met a wonderful partner who also did not want more children, and they have two older teenagers that they adore and get along with well. This shows that it is possible to find a fulfilling life without following the traditional path of having children.
Section 3: The Bisexual Aspect
It turns out that a large reason the author never wanted children is that they are bisexual and have a preference for women. This aspect of their identity was a significant factor in their decision not to have children. It emphasizes that everyone's reasons for not wanting children are unique and should be respected.
Whether it's due to personal preferences, religious upbringing, or other factors, each person's journey is valid. The author's story serves as a reminder that we should respect everyone's choices and not judge them based on our own beliefs.