A woman has taken to Mumsnet to ask if other people see women who are single and child-free as "less than" and like a "second-class citizen".
The woman posted on the Am I Being Unreasonable page on the site to ask other parents: "Be honest: Do you think single and childfree people are less than?". The post currently has 511 replies.
Most of the replies say no, with some saying they sometimes envy single people with no children for the freedom they have. However, others with the same lifestyle have replied discussing the comments they receive.
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The full post reads: "Be honest: Do you think single and childfree people are less than?
"I am that person. It suits me. But f*****g hell do I get comments, questions and often it seems like I’m treated like a second-class citizen. Do people still today look down on single / childfree people?"
Many of the replies are supportive, with one user commenting: "Ignore whoever says you're less than anyone. They are just jealous of what you have." and another saying: "No. And anyone who does is odd. Your choices are your choices and nobody's business but your own.".
A few users mention that the love parents have for children can't be replicated, with one user saying: "Definitely not. Whether it's by choice or not, surely most of us are past not realising a happy, fulfilling life can come in all different forms. I would feel like you are missing some experience and emotions that can't be replicated, but you might also have opportunities to experience things that I couldn't."
Another said: "Absolutely not. I gaze upon you with envy from my sleep deprived, financially- and time-poorer state.
"Having a child is a love like you'll never know....but you'll never know it so you're not missing out! And you've maintained your full sense of self, better sleep, better career opportunities, ability to keep your own timetable and can structure your life around yourself."
Another single and child-free user suggested a drinking game that they do with the replies to her question: "Sips for anyone who says "Well, yes I do because [insert tedious reason here]"; Gulps for "You don't know love until you've had a child; and, Drink everything in the house for "Why are childfree people on MUMSnet?"
One especially honest user said: "Yes. The world is set up for couples and families. You're not quite safe enough for dinner parties etc. No one says it, but it's how things are. My taxes are also paying for schools etc, so I am contributing to society, but you don't have to spend long out there before it's clear you're not quite good enough on your own."
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