Reply #92: Ok, in an attempt to calm the situation here....

[nonconformist]

I will explain my points and hope that you will read them. I don't like arguing with fellow DU'ers, especially when it's based on a misunderstanding.

I honestly have absolutely nothing against anyone who chooses not to have a child. Nothing at all. In fact, I think that if someone is sure they don't want children it is the absolute best choice for them. I strongly believe in personal choice. Everyone should live the lifestyle that makes them happy, period.

The reason I complained was that I felt that your OP was, in essence, simply bragging. It seemed kinda tacky and out of left field. I apologise if that is not how you meant it to come off. My reasoning was that because nobody here on DU has been criticizing the choice to not have children, and the only thing I saw that would prompt your OP was a heresy thread.

Things escalated because attacks started - "you're jealous", "breeders", etc. I understand that there have been some people in your life that have given you shit for not having children. I think that is horrible. But I'm not one of them. I respect your lifestyle, and I expect respect for my lifestyle too. Yes I do have two children who I am raising to be compassionate, thoughtful democrats of the future. That doesn't make me better than you, just as your choice to not have children doesn't make you better than me. I just makes us individuals who made their own decisions, that's all.

I have a nice home, 1700 square feet which is plenty for my family of 4 plus one (soon to be two!) cats. I admit I do have a bit of bias towards the "McMansion" mentality in general, but children play no role in that opinion. For example, I know of someone who is currently doing a 100k+ remodel of their kitchen. They do have children, but NEVER cook, ever! But they're getting professional appliances and the whole nine yards. Yes, that does seem silly and wasteful to me. So I guess that is where my original thoughts on this came from. I don't begrudge anyone a good lifestyle though, and I certainly don't think that people who are childfree are the problem in the housing market. I humbly apologise for taking out those thoughts on you.

So, truce?