Here is a lightly edited and condensed selection of comments.

A Heartbreak That Healed

JoAnne, from Georgia from Georgia

Over my life of 62 years I have gone from being heartbroken, to relieved, to proud that I never had children!

An Abundance of Upsides

Carson Drew , from River Heights

I’m a 66-year-old woman who chose not to have children and I’ve never regretted it for a minute. Friends, lovers, professional colleagues, siblings, nieces and nephews, neighbors and other people can be “constants” in a person’s life, too.

Implying that women who don’t have children are doomed to loneliness is ignorant. There are plenty of seniors whose adult kids want nothing to do with them or who get in contact only when they want to mooch off them.

It’s possible to create a happy, richly fulfilled life without having kids. Or a husband, either.

A Trailblazer’s Pride

“Retired&lovit,” from the Oregon Coast from the Oregon Coast

I’m a retired woman, 66, and never had children. I went to college on the G.I. Bill and always worked a white-collar job. Women like me were considered oddities when I was in my 20s through 40s.

Instead of having kids, I spent time traveling, owning my own home and doing very fulfilling volunteer work. I was fortunate to be able to retire at 65. I have never regretted being childless.