I scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist and sat in the hallway, waiting for my turn. A woman sat down next to me, and we started talking. She turned out to be a pleasant conversationalist, and our discussion made me rethink many things.
The first thing that caught my attention was how stylish and well-groomed she looked. I initially thought she was no older than 50. However, during our conversation, she admitted that she was already over 70. Honestly, I was astonished—she looked much younger than her peers.
This woman, who introduced herself as Margaret, shared that she had been married twice but now lived alone. Her first marriage ended in divorce because she didn’t want children.
She had informed her husband from the beginning about her decision not to have kids, but after she turned 30, he started hinting that a real family should include a child. However, her maternal instinct never developed, and she wasn’t willing to change her mind. For her, it was easier to separate than to go against herself. After an honest conversation, they decided to divorce.
Margaret later married a man who had a child from his first marriage. He did not want any more children, so the topic never came up. They lived happily, but their time together was tragically cut short—her husband died in a car accident.
Margaret admitted that solitude didn’t bother her at all. On the contrary, she was happy that she could live life on her own terms without adjusting to anyone. She was certain that she had made the right choice, and she had no regrets.
Her friends, who once hoped their children would care for them, now sigh in disappointment. Their children have grown up, moved on with their own lives, and don’t show much concern for their aging parents. That’s precisely why Margaret never considered motherhood—she felt it wasn’t the right path for her. Now, she leads a fulfilling life and enjoys every moment. Not having children has brought her joy rather than sorrow.
— A glass of water?
I won’t die from hunger or illness. While my friends were spending money on raising children, I was saving. Now, my savings are enough to pay for care and support until the end of my life!
What do you think about this choice? Do you agree with this perspective?
