3. We’ve thought about having children.

As two very analytical people, we’ve certainly had the “kid” conversation. After all, we’ve been married for over 13 years and have felt an overwhelming amount of love for our niece and nephew.

Like any subject in marriage, we check in to make sure we’re still on the same page with each other, but are very content as a duo.

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4. I just can’t have it all.

As much as I’d love to pretend that I could easily do the mom, work, wife, travel and friend thing — I don’t think it’s possible for me. The list of big life things that I do have and am trying to balance makes me very happy — and for that I’m incredibly grateful. As women, we’re expected to take on so much, and I know that something we love would have to give if we became parents.

5. We are a family.

I was having a perfectly fun time at a friend’s wedding when a woman said, “Don’t you want a family?” This really hurt my feelings, but I was too dumbstruck to reply. I have a family with my mother and brothers and grandmother and aunts and cousins. My friends are like family, but most importantly, the life I’ve built with my husband and the happy marriage (along with our sweet animals) feels like a family to us.

Though our lives aren't as glamorous as they seem to outsiders, we love to travel. Here we are at the Taj Mahal. Anne Roderique-Jones

6. I don't understand why people question us so frequently.

I am constantly amazed at how often people ask if we’re having children — or have made comments about infertility. Frankly, I’m curious why people care.

We’ve not had to deal with the overwhelming struggle of infertility, but so many of our friends have, and when you ask someone about their family planning, it can be heartbreaking. Whether you’re asking a single person, married couple or family with one child — it’s likely best to wait for personal information to be offered instead of prying.

7. I have so much respect for parents.

Child rearing seems so hard. Your job is so much harder than what I do. I was eight when my youngest brother was born and I helped to raise him. I’ve babysat my own siblings and taken care of my parents. I was also a nanny. WHEW. Your job is so tough, and while I’m sure you get highs that I’ll never know, I respect how much work it takes to be a parent.