[Heel n Toe]

Mike, I hear you and understand your feelings about those gentle prods that people sometimes give you in their clumsy way of trying to tell you that you should have a kid, too.

I really wish people wouldn't do that 1) to people like you who have stated they don't plan to have children... as well as 2) to couples who haven't had children yet. Some parents start prodding a year or two after their child marries. Dumb; they need to honor the newlyweds and let them decide.

But try not to feel 1) anything close to sorry for your parents for their "sacrifice" or 2) resentment towards others who prod you in any way.

Try to think of it as people who have experienced something that they genuinely love and enjoy and they don't want others to miss it.

Try to think of it as they've ridden the fun rollercoaster and they're just telling you about it.

Having and raising children is the most fun (hilarious things happen quite frequently), challenging, and rewarding thing I have ever done. It is, quite simply... an amazing life experience. It trumps everything else. The only way I could have enjoyed it more was if my wife and I had been independently wealthy and didn't have to work.

I respect your decision and would never try to twist your arm or even hint at it. It is your life and I wouldn't dream of trying to change your mind about such a fundamental aspect of it.

Let those proud parents brag and give them a smile and a compliment and don't let it bother you that they are beaming about their kid.

BTW, that guy should be getting to work on time and not be using his kid as an excuse. You are absolutely right to resent that kind of BS.