As a 27 year old woman who is neither engaged to be married, nor with child, I have become painfully aware that it's difficult to come by circumstances that warrant similar recognition and happy congratulations from those who surround me.
Admittedly, this increases my bitterness toward these situations. Oh, and I am very aware that it's no surprise to anyone out there that I am bitter in this situation, however, I implore you to at least attempt to understand where I'm coming from. After all, this is my blog.
I'm on the verge of a major life-change; a move across the country. This is all on my own accord and not the result of a forced decision, happenstance or anything of the like. This impending move, in addition to witnessing the opposing life-changes those around my age are forced in to, is providing further proof that this is, as childish as it sounds, just so unfair!
I couldn't be happier to make the journey across the country and start a life elsewhere; a change of weather and scenery, job prospects, social networking and activities, etc. I can't help but notice, though, that making such a grown-up change is never going to get the same reaction as, let's say, accidentally getting pregnant or falling into the ever-so-popular trend of, "LET'S GET MARRIED," or, even worse, a potential combination of the two in accidentally getting knocked up and deciding it would be for the best to get married.
With more and more people tripping into these circumstances at younger and younger ages, I am forced to wonder, "What am I going to have to do to get some sort of recognition?" Selfish? Adolescent? Sure. Blame society.
It sure would be nice to be congratulated on being sexually active and NOT becoming pregnant. Afterall, it seems easier to receive praise by accident than it is by avoiding it. "Good job, Kim! You haven't gotten knocked up in all the years you have been doing this." Or how about, "Congratulations on getting out of that HORRIBLE relationship before it became a life-long obligation! Here's some money!" Of course, the latter would imply that most marriages are held in the high esteem of life-long obligations, and nowadays, that is clearly not the case. I'd love to set up a non-baby-bridal-registry. They aren't an option.
I do understand that making the commitment of marriage or having a child are huge deals, I get it, however for those of us that have decided against one or both of these life-altering-situations, what can we possibly do to make up for it? Is there hope for us? Are there any responsible ways of making up for not wanting to increase the population? Can we do something to warrant gifts and praise for not doing these things? Or are we simply SOL?
