Both of us were accidents - hence the seven year gap - kids had never really been part of the plan. To say we were unloved would be wrong - but we were inconvenient, and never allowed to forget it.
I'm glad to say that my dad seems to be getting it right the second time around, with wife 2.0, which underscores my upbringing being culturally rather than idiopathically driven - in the culture in which they lived, kids were there to convey status, and not much else.
Honestly, my family dynamic is all sorts of weird to most, but not unfamiliar to many who shared a parallel experience with me.
I wish people didn't feel obligated to have children if they know they don't want children or know they aren't up to doing it properly. It's not like accidents can't be "fixed".
This isn't directly aimed at you, I'm sure you are a wonderful person and are happy about this accident. I just feel children should not be had as status symbols or out of obligation.
> To say we were unloved would be wrong - but we were inconvenient, and never allowed to forget it.
Loved, but inconvenient. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around that one :) I guess that's cognitive dissonance.
I'm glad to say that my dad seems to be getting it right the second time around, with wife 2.0, which underscores my upbringing being culturally rather than idiopathically driven - in the culture in which they lived, kids were there to convey status, and not much else.
Honestly, my family dynamic is all sorts of weird to most, but not unfamiliar to many who shared a parallel experience with me.