• Add Yours badge

There's A Lot Of Shame Around Being Child-Free, So Let's Discuss What It's Actually Like

Children are a blessing, but so is sleeping in on weekends.

Here at BuzzFeed dot com, we talk a lot about people who have kids. But today, we're setting our sights on those who have chosen NOT to procreate.

I'm talking about being child-free. There are plenty of reasons why adults might decide they don't want to be parents, but that doesn't stop others from shaming them for their choice and asking a bunch of condescending questions. Exhibit A:

Millennials who are very cavalier about not having children are in for a shock when they enter their 40s & realize life is only half over. What do you do at that point? Keep trying to be sexy & have fun? I expect to see a lot of sadness & confusion about what to do at that point.

Twitter: @GShaneMorris

Well, now's the time to answer those dweebs once and for all so that maybe — just maybe!!! — they'll finally shut up for five seconds. If you're child-free (especially if you're child-free and close to or over the age of 40), we'd love to hear what it's actually like being an adult who doesn't have any kids.

Maybe instead of having children you decided to devote your time and money to travel, and now you've visited every continent over 100 countries with zero intention of stopping.

Or perhaps your finances are in incredible shape because you decided you didn't want to fork up the $300,000 it now costs to raise a child, and you're looking at a pretty sweet retirement.

Maybe you actually do feel a little lonely sometimes, and think maybe you should've had kids...especially when you see how much joy and fulfillment it brings to your friends who did decide to become parents.

Or perhaps you sleep in every Saturday morning, knowing full-well you never wanted kids, and feeling completely content with your choice.

Whatever it is, we'd love to hear about your experience! Tell us what really it's like being child-free (the good, the bad, and the ugly) in the comments. If you'd rather remain anonymous, you can still share yours by filling out this Google form. We may feature your responses in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post!