Look at you, their support appears to say, Youre doing what youre supposed to do.
We couldnt be prouder.
Yet, women are so much more than their ability to find a partner and reproduce.
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And theyve got ambition, and theyve got talent, as well as just beauty.
Im so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for.
Before diving into the societal and internal issues of emphasizing womens familial accomplishments, its necessary to clarify something.
None of this is to say these are not milestones worth striving for and celebrating.
Getting married and having children are norms in our society.
They are socially prescribed benchmarks many will embrace without a second thought.
Modern women are building on generations of work pushing back against these norms.
However, this doesnt come without feelings ofstressaround acting untraditional.
Life paths are just as unique as our fingerprints, and there is no one direct or correct path.
Well get into how to talk to them about this, but first, lets check in with you.
Youre making these decisions for a reason.
Take time to regularly confirm to yourself why these paths are right for you.
Lurie further recommends looking for like-minded individuals for support.
A redirect can also work.
At the same time, dont assume theyre acting with malicious intent.
Often the people in our lives will be shocked to receive this information.
Its less confrontational and changes the subject.
With that in mind, evaluate the message your actions and words, or lack thereof, send.
Ask them instead about their plans generally, says Lurie.
Celebrate occasions with them outside of just baby showers and weddings.
Did your friend rent a great new place or buy a nice car?
Did your cousin get into her top graduate school?
Ask them if this is something they would like to celebrate, and then have a wonderful time.
Furthermore, help remove the idea that a partner is the most crucial relationship in a persons life.
What This Means For You
Going after and achieving your goals is incredible.
They are worth celebrating whether it’s a baby or a new job.
2020;42(2):407-422. doi:10.1111/1467-9566.13008
Johnson, B.
