|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
A viral thread on X shared a woman's frustration with a first date where a man questioned her "biological clock," sparking discussions on societal pressures around women's reproductive choices. The post highlighted her decision to remain childless and called for greater respect for women’s autonomy.
In a viral thread on X (formerly known as Twitter), a writer and former theatre critic named Kelly shared a striking account of a first date that took an unexpected turn. The post sparked widespread discussions about societal attitudes toward women’s reproductive choices. It had a significant engagement, with 36k likes, 1.9k reposts, and 556 comments.
The date began with him asking, “Are your ovaries ok?” Taken aback, the woman responded with humour, quipping, “Omg why? Are they hanging out?” But the man, unamused, clarified his question: “I mean your biological clock—aren’t you worried it’s getting too late to have kids?”
She was 32 at the time and was not , as she explained in her post, “thoroughly unimpressed.” She stated that there was no second date as he didn’t appreciate her humour and she didn’t appreciate being treated like a baby making machine on a FIRST date.
Kelly went on to describe her frustration with such invasive questions, which she says are all too common for single, childless women.
“When are you going to ‘settle down’? Are you not interested in men? Are you unable to have children? Are you barren? Don’t you want to be a mother?” she recounted.
These inquiries, she emphasised, not only reflect societal expectations but also disregard personal circumstances and choices.
In her thread, Kelly said that people need to stop asking others about their reproductive choices and/or shaming them for being childless. She revealed that she is, in fact, unable to have children due to an emergency hysterectomy she underwent at 24. However, she candidly shared that even before her surgery, motherhood was never a goal.
“I never felt like I wanted children,” she wrote. “My health was always poor, and I didn’t think I could be an effective parent. My focus was always my health and career.”
She described how she pursued her passions instead, becoming a theatre critic, travelling extensively, and embracing hobbies like aerial yoga and hiking. Reflecting on her journey, she stated,
“I squeezed as much life into my healthiest years as I could—and I never regretted not having children. It was the right choice for me, and I’m fortunate to have lived in a time where I was permitted that choice.” She stated that she barely had time for dating, let alone children.
Despite her personal contentment, she detailed the invasive and often hurtful remarks she has faced over the years, underscoring how society often views childless women as “less than.”
The thread also touched on broader societal issues, such as the ongoing erosion of women’s rights and bodily autonomy, particularly in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the U.S.
“A woman’s right to choose is at risk,” she wrote, urging readers to challenge societal norms that prioritise women’s reproductive roles over their individuality.
She also highlighted the need to respect all women’s choices, including having children or not. “We are more than our wombs, more than our ability to be someone’s wife or mother,” she asserted.
In her closing remarks, Kelly called for an end to the socially acceptable practice of questioning women about their reproductive choices. “It’s none of your business,” she declared.
Her thread struck a chord online, with many women echoing her sentiments.
“My body—my choice. My body—my business,” she concluded, summarising a powerful message that resonated widely.
The viral story has sparked renewed conversations about respecting women’s autonomy and reframing societal narratives around childlessness, whether by choice or circumstance. The story resonated with many, as women supported her stance and expressed solidarity.
“Appalling. I’m sorry this happened to you. It shouldn’t. Interestingly, a friend of mine has been on the dating scene and has described herself as a catnip to men who already have children and definitely don’t want more.” @JennBridge commented
“I’m 73 and childless by choice. When I was young (mid-twenties onwards), I was regularly asked when I would have kids, and my answer was always: I didn’t want any, never wanted any. Zero regrets. I wanted to live my life my way, and kids had no place there.” @zaane_d shared.
“That response was amazing!! Thank you for telling your story. It’s a shame you have to do it because it should just be accepted that some women do not want kids. Reasons are irrelevant to the equation. A no should be enough. I hope today is a good day for you.” @mandy_harker also commented
Women need to be left alone to make their own choices without interference from men because their bodies and lives belong to them, and autonomy is a fundamental human right.
