So I just don’t understand. Maybe you can help me out here.

Why do other people (including random strangers!) are never quite happy with your status quo in life.

Why do they feel the need to not appreciate your current status and happiness but ask you what is next…

If you don’t have a boyfriend: Why are you single? Don’t you want to get married? Are you just not into “men” (yes I was once!)

If you have a boyfriend: When do you think you will get married? Don’t you think it is time to get married you are not getting any younger (wink wink nudge nudge)?

Then you finally get married: So do you think you will start trying for a baby straight away? Your mother/mother-in-law would love a grandchild. It is probably best you think about adoption as you have left it too long to have a baby now !! (Another unhelpful comment I received!)

Then you finally have a child: So when do you think you will start trying for a 2nd child? Don’t wait too long for the second, your baby needs a playmate!

Do they say it for the 3rd child…. it wouldn’t surprise me! Does it continue your whole life? Do they ask if you have a funeral plan when you retire?

Oh lord……it is quite utterly exhausting, can be humiliating and to be honest down right intrusive.

Why on earth do people think it is ok to ask or comment on this? Why have I felt the need to answer these questions?

Married hands

Apart from avoiding the question or changing topics perhaps the best strategy – which I always think about AFTER these conversations – is being brutally honest and see what they say then. Would we make them uncomfortable for even asking these ridiculous questions if we said….

If you don’t have a boyfriend: Well I kissed this guy last week in a pub and went home with him. I then went back the next 3 nights afterwards and buzzed his apartment for 30 minutes. I think he is on holidays.

If you have a boyfriend: Well I have been waiting 5 years and I am wondering why he won’t marry me either. Do you think he is just using me because he likes my ironing ? Or do you think he figures he can still get laid without having to spend any extra cash on a ring?

Then you finally get married: Well actually we have been trying for 4 years and have had 3 miscarriages so it is not from lack of trying.

Then you finally have a child: I still wee myself when I walk down the street. There is no way my body is up for that yet.

Honesty is the best policy? Have you being in one of these situations? What did you say? What did they say?