Childfree women often have to answer to family, friends, and random strangers about why we've made the choice not to give birth to, adopt, or otherwise harbor a child. The curious never seem sated by the simple answer, "I don't want kids."

If you insist on prying into the psyche of a childfree woman, here are some questions that might make your interrogation go more smoothly.

Instead of: "Don't you think that's selfish?"

Try: "What sorts of philanthropic ventures fill your life instead of caring exclusively for your own babies?"

Asking a childfree woman if she's thinks her decision is selfish is not a question. It's a judgment disguised as a question. Childfree women are actually great assets to the planet. Our carbon footprint is smaller than a mom's! And we have enough money to write checks to organizations that help kids get vaccinations, vitamins, and educations; yet have plenty of free time to advise your daughter that one day she will regret piercing her lip.