One thing you must know about me is that I never shy away from sharing my opinion or thoughts. That is, if I have one! I do not know everything about everything. But if the conversation is about my life choices, or issues in society, or about the books I have read, movies I have seen, then I don't see why I should not share my thoughts them. However, with experience I have learnt that it is not worth my time to share them with everyone who comes along. Some people are not capable to have a conversation with an open mind. They are already set in their ways. Their uninformed opinion is already made. They are not going to allow you to 'be who you are'. They like the world they know and are comfortable in. I let them exist in their world*, because my path won't cross with their's again (or often) and I do not want the headache that will follow post Now on to something brighter and more socially acceptable - my style!
that conversation.
Recently my path crossed with a woman, who I am guessing was somewhere in her mid-fifties. Her nationality or religion does not matter because this is the conversation I have had ... or rather words that I have heard 100s of times, without contributing a single full sentence in to the narrative. Stereotypically it is always a female, someone in her fifties or more, who has grandkids, and who does not approve of me (or my choice to be kid-free), and feels can change my mind. 9 out of 10 times the conversation occurs at our very first and often the only meeting. So here goes ...
After sitting with me for less than two minutes:
The Woman - So ... do you have kids?
I said - No
The Woman - How long have you been married?
I said - 10 years
The Woman - So why don't you have kids?
I said - ... (nothing!)
The Woman - You should definitely have kids. At least one kid is a must.
I said - ... (nothing!) bring them up . The Woman - If you have kids too late, you get old and don't have the energy to run around with them and
I said - ... (nothing!)
Then she went on to tell me how many kids every.single.member in her maternal and paternal side of the family has and a few of their kid's stories in detail, which took good five minutes or so ... while I listened patiently (with an awkward smile).
The Woman - One must have a kid, else what will happen to your name? Someone should continue your name after you are gone. Then people can say, "This is XYZ's kid" and your name lives on.
I said - ... (nothing!)
The Woman - Doesn't your mother say something?
I said - ... (nothing!)
The Woman - I think you should definitely have one kid. Have it for my sake? But please have one.
I said - ... (nothing!) Let me say this on record that this was my first time meeting her. I do not even know her name. And I said a total of three words in the conversation (if you can call it that) which lasted somewhere around 7 to 10 minutes.
Just in time, someone entered the room ... and I took a silent sigh! of relief and took that as my cue to leave the room.
Kidding! May be. I am so glad the weather is ready for Maxi dresses. I am IN LOVE with this Joie piece. I can see it being part of my summer-closet-repertoire. You can try it out here before investing in it if you like. ;)
Blogger, Stylist, Storyteller, Fitness Enthusiast, Experimental Cook. If you have questions in any of the mentioned areas or have feedback, feel free to contact me at [email protected].
