How to survive a judging society

Vic Verdonck
3 min readJul 14, 2021

While she felt fine with herself, Cathy was judged by coworkers, family, and friends for not wanting children.

She didn’t see herself as a mother and would want to trade in the holidays, social life, and Thursday night climbing for diapers, feeding, and interrupted nights.

She has a godchild she loves very dearly and wouldn’t want to miss the pancake afternoons. But to exchange her life where choices are abundant was something she wouldn’t do.

Because she was already 36, people felt the need to convince her into having children. But Cathy didn’t understand. Why would she have to justify her situation? Those people weren’t affected by my situation. It caused them no harm and somehow, she felt like a villain.

People feel like they have to keep you on track

When we are 1 year old, people will ask if the baby can talk or walk yet. At 18 we need to know what we’re going to study. Before 30, you should have children and a flourishing career. You’re not.

We have to accept that people think this way. However, you shouldn’t feel guilty for “not being on track”. Another person who is not affected by your situation or choices, should not interfere or make you feel guilty. And on the other hand, even if they do, you shouldn’t feel guilty for…

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Vic Verdonck

I explain how relationships work. How to tell people what you want to find out who will give you what you need.