A woman in her 40s has faced criticism from a colleague after stating that she does not want to have children. Despite being content with her life, the woman was told that she would change her mind and that having kids would be fulfilling. The woman responded by saying that having kids would ruin her life and that it’s not something she ever wants. The colleague became upset and filed a complaint with HR. The woman wonders if she was in the wrong for her response. Read on to find out more about the situation and share your thoughts on whether she was being insensitive.
Child-free and loving it: woman defends decision amid backlash ♀️
![Image credit: ladybananaboat | ladybananaboat](https://static.diply.com/1d24b877-1ee8-48ff-a3e6-f04b605d48c3.png)
Choosing not to have kids: the backlash and social pressure
![Image credit: ladybananaboat | ladybananaboat](https://static.diply.com/8e1a5e95-d51f-41ed-9517-fa2baa0ec828.png)
Pushy people insisting on kids: boundary-crossing or well-intentioned?
![Image credit: ladybananaboat | ladybananaboat](https://static.diply.com/e0e71e1e-e8ad-4406-b7ce-8149cb201cde.png)
Dealing with pushy people who think they know what’s best.
![Image credit: ladybananaboat | ladybananaboat](https://static.diply.com/5953056b-f602-475b-8d61-ccd14d1e5b2d.png)
Controversial opinion: kids would ruin my life
![Image credit: ladybananaboat | ladybananaboat](https://static.diply.com/6ec56a06-afdb-4a42-8224-9e9b77d13f6f.png)
Choosing to not have kids is a valid lifestyle choice
![Image credit: ladybananaboat | ladybananaboat](https://static.diply.com/84ee2836-d066-4cad-ab0e-ea03ee7ef55e.png)
Colleague files complaint after woman shares unpopular opinion about kids
![Image credit: ladybananaboat | ladybananaboat](https://static.diply.com/3d982e6d-00c2-4ddb-abe9-2d18a1d8b470.png)
Redditors weigh in on AITA post about childfree backlash
![Image credit: ladybananaboat | ladybananaboat](https://static.diply.com/46540bd5-2b75-4b11-abb8-c18798622bbf.png)
Woman faces backlash for saying no to kids
A woman is facing backlash after expressing her desire to not have kids. The woman, who is happily single and content with her life, was repeatedly asked when she was going to have kids by a coworker. When she stated that she never wanted kids and that having them would ruin her life, the coworker became persistent and accused her of being selfish. The woman stood her ground, but the coworker filed a complaint with HR. While some may argue that the woman could have handled the situation with more tact, it’s important to respect others’ decisions and not force societal norms onto them. The discussion around having children can be a sensitive topic, and it’s crucial to remember that not everyone wants or needs to be a parent. Let’s explore the reactions to this woman’s story in the comments below.
NTA. Contact HR and file a complaint against harassment.
![Image credit: Motor_Crow4482 | Motor_Crow4482](https://static.diply.com/fd395386-acfc-4a25-9793-f1ea07d8623d.png)
Choosing not to have kids doesn’t equal hating kids ♀️
![Image credit: Andante79 | Andante79](https://static.diply.com/8956b54f-5617-4446-884b-7ef6ccfd4ae8.png)
Woman faces harassment for not wanting kids at work
![Image credit: ThinEscape511 | ThinEscape511](https://static.diply.com/3c08dc70-ba69-4a4b-b2db-5a9e40772d88.png)
Support for standing up against harassment about family status.
![Image credit: C_Majuscula | C_Majuscula](https://static.diply.com/cf9afce1-ee7f-4da7-b11b-59927afcb317.png)
Choosing not to have kids and facing judgment from society.
![Image credit: SaikaTheCasual | SaikaTheCasual](https://static.diply.com/968678ad-008e-43db-b528-c6810e82a61a.png)
NTA for saying kids would ruin your life – honesty is rare.
![Image credit: DistrictEquivalent79 | DistrictEquivalent79](https://static.diply.com/ebeedc05-5003-456f-8e12-45678f33c3fb.png)
Cheers to single, child-free women!
![Image credit: ResidentRepulsive | ResidentRepulsive](https://static.diply.com/934bfd54-7dc9-42f3-875b-172534d6ebfa.png)
Stand your ground and document it!
![Image credit: KanaydianDragon | KanaydianDragon](https://static.diply.com/5893b754-03b2-446e-b933-c13f69333451.png)
Parenthood isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay
![Image credit: Scarlettohara1605 | Scarlettohara1605](https://static.diply.com/5742e8a3-438b-45a8-bda5-46637957acd3.png)
Support for standing up to harassment in the workplace
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/a9618fff-1e4d-4751-8704-7f4c6064e9d1.png)
Support for woman’s decision to not have kids, with a warning.
![Image credit: Psychological_Lie5 | Psychological_Lie5](https://static.diply.com/fe8d85a5-089c-4cd1-bb32-54dfc08851a6.png)
Stand up to inappropriate comments at work. #NotYourBodyNotYourBusiness
![Image credit: AnarchyAcid | AnarchyAcid](https://static.diply.com/05478fb8-cece-484c-939d-9100d43729d4.png)
Standing up against harassment for choosing not to have kids
![Image credit: DerpDevilDD | DerpDevilDD](https://static.diply.com/7b61c500-3f65-4af6-9f85-728b0932209c.png)
Don’t let anyone shame you for your choices! You go girl! ✊
![Image credit: curly_lox | curly_lox](https://static.diply.com/29874def-9e6f-48c2-83a1-313f1149341d.png)
Working with kids lovers can be challenging
![Image credit: VlaxDrek | VlaxDrek](https://static.diply.com/63303b27-f242-4696-8700-e4c1f9164ad5.png)
Live your life , not hers. NTA wins this round!
![Image credit: Capital_Ad3482 | Capital_Ad3482](https://static.diply.com/cf21da56-4d87-4ec7-87a1-b27c062ce11b.png)
Woman gets HR complaint for not wanting kids. NTA
![Image credit: SilverQueenBee | SilverQueenBee](https://static.diply.com/2753664d-88ce-4f1b-a13e-76f5d69f404b.png)
Not everyone wants kids. NTA shut down the harassment
![Image credit: That_Dog_2276 | That_Dog_2276](https://static.diply.com/a9078ae2-9f66-45c9-adb7-e417e0d717ad.png)
Choosing not to have kids is valid. Don’t let anyone judge.
![Image credit: LAM_humor1156 | LAM_humor1156](https://static.diply.com/dedaf2bf-986f-48e9-b460-285649143e97.png)
Support for standing up against pressure to have children.
![Image credit: phillyunhipstered | phillyunhipstered](https://static.diply.com/bdde8f2b-c6d8-4260-8fb0-0d508d9f6901.png)
Blunt approach to NTA comment sparks agreement and shared experiences.
![Image credit: gravygoodies | gravygoodies](https://static.diply.com/fb88d03c-d34d-4058-8ad2-ca50bd3da8bc.png)
Jealousy or valid concern? NTA gets mixed reactions
![Image credit: cjgist | cjgist](https://static.diply.com/0d4d0c43-c4a7-4de7-a87e-8ad3b86abf0f.png)
Defend your boundaries at work NTA
![Image credit: Kitchen-Ad960 | Kitchen-Ad960](https://static.diply.com/85a0e213-012d-4d4b-8123-8e3b2a27a5d9.png)
NTA stands up to entitled coworker’s inappropriate harassment
![Image credit: Brainjacker | Brainjacker](https://static.diply.com/3d9daa78-ce5c-47aa-aed1-b74f27b969d8.png)
Supportive response to workplace conflict, seek HR help ✌
![Image credit: Aer0uAntG3alach | Aer0uAntG3alach](https://static.diply.com/f7a2f7cc-c9dc-4f59-be82-ff82765e306c.png)
NTA and advice to talk to HR.
![Image credit: MistressFuzzylegs | MistressFuzzylegs](https://static.diply.com/33519749-1ed8-411b-8d9a-82c3f76758fc.png)
Commenter defends not being sympathetic towards the situation
![Image credit: Helgrind8 | Helgrind8](https://static.diply.com/f0b616cd-7f5b-4ef2-a397-ed2cf4444351.png)
Support for not wanting kids, confusion over complaint threat
![Image credit: dustyatlas7 | dustyatlas7](https://static.diply.com/10d7e053-dfb5-4882-a812-01c691fcc8ea.png)
Redditors unanimously declare OP as TA
![Image credit: Thrwy83736 | Thrwy83736](https://static.diply.com/2ea4b1f7-88ca-419d-afbd-1c74bb1c73d4.png)
Woman receives support for choosing not to have kids.
![Image credit: MorgainofAvalon | MorgainofAvalon](https://static.diply.com/66af4649-a08e-42dc-b6aa-7f2145aa54a3.png)
Defending personal choices and standing up to harassment.
![Image credit: animaniactoo | animaniactoo](https://static.diply.com/4258970a-8276-467b-804a-f7fb834cd196.png)
Choosing puppies over kids? This commenter is all in
![Image credit: PomegranateReal3620 | PomegranateReal3620](https://static.diply.com/4920a2b9-8ab9-4ba3-8e64-7b87042539ad.png)
Defending OP’s lifestyle choices NTA wins this round!
![Image credit: Heir_Of_Akyem | Heir_Of_Akyem](https://static.diply.com/66d5e760-61af-4c66-810a-4cbbfb2784fb.png)
Standing up to a miserable co-worker, NTA
![Image credit: ChihuahuaMafia | ChihuahuaMafia](https://static.diply.com/624e7e82-cf2f-44b1-b5a5-fb00f894370f.png)
Honesty wins: commenter praised for not giving in to pressure
![Image credit: littlelionbirdman | littlelionbirdman](https://static.diply.com/03bc2203-0f45-4fa7-8bda-4c0faccd56e7.png)
Support for setting boundaries against unsolicited advice at work
![Image credit: DrunkGoibniu | DrunkGoibniu](https://static.diply.com/f1d6ac98-7441-4554-8893-3f56d41bdc4c.png)
Support for standing up to health-shaming, NTA
![Image credit: TemptingPenguin369 | TemptingPenguin369](https://static.diply.com/26924b7c-2eee-4875-ac3a-3075773c1c92.png)
Choosing to not have kids is a personal choice
![Image credit: Confident_Safety5700 | Confident_Safety5700](https://static.diply.com/561983c4-873a-4686-87cc-f5264c3b5f15.png)
Women shouldn’t be shamed for not wanting kids
![Image credit: Gain-Outrageous | Gain-Outrageous](https://static.diply.com/169b2441-8a7e-4511-b4d7-2651cd7dd172.png)
Confusion arises over poster’s age in comments section
![Image credit: tah3145 | tah3145](https://static.diply.com/34f91377-a10c-4405-8d2e-8549e26552ff.png)
Having kids is selfish: a heartfelt comment on the realities.
![Image credit: ScrevyRevington | ScrevyRevington](https://static.diply.com/962b699e-ff5c-4c14-b2d2-7e2d23239777.png)
Refreshing to hear someone not want kids. NTA
![Image credit: Federal-Ferret-970 | Federal-Ferret-970](https://static.diply.com/0ff60b5a-427c-4acc-81ff-f3791024a1ff.png)
Stand up for yourself
![Image credit: ScarlettLestrange | ScarlettLestrange](https://static.diply.com/1f916218-e689-4529-8a91-5a0dcffa537d.png)
Supportive response to NTA comment with a call to action ✊
![Image credit: No_Room_10604 | No_Room_10604](https://static.diply.com/639870b7-e040-40c8-b4c0-935b0cccdddc.png)
Raising kids in the US: expensive and challenging. NTA.
![Image credit: Wisconsin_ope | Wisconsin_ope](https://static.diply.com/83748798-44e8-404c-8eb8-04c437f95880.png)
Choosing not to have kids is a personal decision. NTA
![Image credit: MundanePlanet | MundanePlanet](https://static.diply.com/c84c67d5-6fc5-46d2-b96e-0c227c04fa1a.png)
Double standards in society’s view on having or not having kids
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/9bf478b3-3c73-41fc-b6ba-3a24cce7c1f1.png)
Supportive reply to a commenter’s experience of harassment and validation.
![Image credit: Aliceroo76 | Aliceroo76](https://static.diply.com/edc892e4-5048-44e2-94de-b00dca19841b.png)
Not every woman wants kids #NormalizeChoice
![Image credit: Emotional_Fan_7011 | Emotional_Fan_7011](https://static.diply.com/60d3ad3e-7e6f-43aa-96fd-4a7b4609e2c9.png)
Boundaries matter: Respect people’s privacy and choices
![Image credit: Ok-Educator850 | Ok-Educator850](https://static.diply.com/6f5a5657-0750-430d-a343-ecbb72c57018.png)
40s, no kids: Life ruined if I did. NTA, haters are.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/e37338bf-edbf-4a3a-bed7-2dde2b9b3477.png)
Choosing to be childless is a valid option
![Image credit: JustAnotherOne4You | JustAnotherOne4You](https://static.diply.com/dfda752b-cfe2-4ce0-b4d1-3683f0ee4cf4.png)
Choosing not to have kids is a personal decision
![Image credit: allyocious | allyocious](https://static.diply.com/8828b6b0-e42f-48ea-9d50-dd1f3c62124d.png)
Normalize women’s choice to not reproduce. #LiveYourLife
![Image credit: PlumSociety | PlumSociety](https://static.diply.com/fe14b0ca-ba1c-43b8-8d17-e09ac1a3f44f.png)
Respectful NTA comment defends choice not to have children
![Image credit: Agreeable_Space2759 | Agreeable_Space2759](https://static.diply.com/82b40128-f29e-4e06-89e8-b7c228db6dd8.png)
Fight back against workplace bullying
![Image credit: SlicerStopSlicing | SlicerStopSlicing](https://static.diply.com/afea8b4a-58f9-488d-924c-add6c741f3c8.png)
32-year-old woman stands up for herself against societal pressure
![Image credit: NovaScrawlers | NovaScrawlers](https://static.diply.com/4ce44447-220a-452a-b2f4-c837e924b116.png)
Commenter sympathizes with NTA and expresses frustration with societal pressure.
![Image credit: asmalltamale | asmalltamale](https://static.diply.com/02f3f540-5868-4d73-8bf0-0bbe7782b0e8.png)
Choosing not to have kids should be respected.
![Image credit: bordergirl6 | bordergirl6](https://static.diply.com/9909cd0a-b075-44e1-9c1a-e4157e68c303.png)
Respectful NTA comment defends personal choice, shuts down criticism
![Image credit: Beachlover8282 | Beachlover8282](https://static.diply.com/3296f4be-9df6-4440-b608-85084e7ab5af.png)
Child-free individual receives pressure from jealous parents.
![Image credit: GoingNutCracken | GoingNutCracken](https://static.diply.com/0b1ab66b-5858-4a37-971f-3ada53eb5270.png)
Last Updated on April 16, 2023 by Diply Social Team