I think we can all agree, there are few bad habits as annoying as nosiness.
Despite this, people seem to pry most when it comes to one of the most loaded and delicate topics around: the decision to have kids.
Choices around pregnancy, childbearing, and fertility are extremely personal, and there are a million different variables to factor in.
Some couples go through cycle after cycle of fertility treatment trying to have kids, like this duo that went through heartbreak trying to conceive. Other couples know deep down that parenthood isn’t for them.
Some people don’t find a partner or don’t want a partner or parent solo or decide that they’d rather just be the awesome aunt that spoils the nieces and nephews.
All of these are valid choices, made for myriad reasons that are often too painful or intimate to discuss with almost anyone, but people still pry.
That’s why Michigan-based journalist Emily Bingham decided to do her part to change the conversation once and for all, and tell the world’s nosy Nellies why it might be time to lay off all the pregnancy questions.
This is Emily Bingham, a journalist in Michigan who blew up the internet late last year when she took to Facebook to post a few thoughts.
The topic of her post? Pregnancy, non-pregnancy, kids, and the wide variety of extremely personal reasons that we all might want to refrain before we ask about another's reproductive plans.
She posted an ultrasound photo to draw folks in, then explains that the picture is not hers.
The image and the words that accompany it quickly went viral, garnering 48,000 likes and 80,000 shares as people across Facebook reacted.
Scroll through the gallery below to read Bingham's poignant and powerful words on the subject.
Hey everyone!!!
Now that I got your attention with this RANDOM ULTRASOUND PHOTO I grabbed from a Google image search, this is just a friendly P.S.A. that people's reproductive and procreative plans and decisions are none of your business.
NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.
Before you ask the young married couple that has been together for seemingly forever when they are finally gonna start a family…
Before you ask the parents of an only-child toddler when a Little Brother or Little Sister will be in the works…
Before you ask a single 30-something if/when s/he plans on having children because, you know, clock's ticking…
Just stop. Please stop.
You don’t know who is struggling with infertility or grieving a miscarriage or dealing with health issues.
You don't know who is having relationship problems or is under a lot of stress or the timing just isn't right.
You don't know who is on the fence about having kids or having more kids.
You don't know who has decided it's not for them right now, or not for them ever.
You don’t know how your seemingly innocent question might cause someone grief, pain, stress or frustration.
Sure, for some people those questions may not cause any fraught feelings — but I can tell you, from my own experiences and hearing about many friends' experiences — it more than likely does.
Bottom line: Whether you are a wanna-be grandparent or a well-intentioned friend or family member or a nosy neighbor, it’s absolutely none of your business.
Ask someone what they're excited about right now.
Ask them what the best part of their day was.
"If a person wants to let you in on something as personal as their plans to have or not have children, they will tell you.
If you're curious, just sit back and wait and let them do so by their own choosing, if and when they are ready.
What do you think of Bingham's powerful message?
Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to SHARE her words with friends and family.
