From a young age, I never wanted children. I was the oldest of 3 and had to take on a lot of responsibility for my siblings - not by choice. I saw what motherhood was like and did not want that life for me.

I have ended relationships over that issue. Fortunately, I met and married someone who felt the same way I did.

I am now at the point where it is unlikely I could have biological children and I do not regret my decision. I think I would have been stressed and miserable if I had kids. It's not for everyone. Some people enjoy being parents, others do not. We are lucky we have the freedom to choose these days. Every child should be born to parents that really want them.

People have criticized me or told me I will regret it over the years. I had to learn to develop a thicker skin in relation to the subject. I figure it is worse to have a child and regret it than regret not having one. You can't sent the kid back. In the end, are people making those comments going to help you raise the kid or assist you financially if you need it? Not likely. My mother used to love to pressure me on the issue even though we live on different continents. She just wanted grandchild pictures to show her friends with grandkids. By the time I hit 40, the comments started to become less frequent.

In the end, you should do what is right for you, not what others tell you to do.

There are some online forums for the childfree that you may want to check out.