I have been so blessed in so many ways; i’m so thankful for how i’ve been able to live. Not having children has been central to that. It’s fine if other people want to have children; it’s just not for me.

I’m certainly glad that i don’t have to battle with children over such things as what an appropriate age might be for, say, a smart phone. I barely had enough energy for dealing with a spouse, let alone children. For me it’s much easier to just be alone.

I did get to be a step-parent to an eight-year-old girl for a couple of years — 15 years ago — and that was more than enough, believe me. At least then i wasn’t responsible for any of the big decisions.

Now i can just go back to my regular job of taking care of a severe traumatic brain injury patient; at least i have lots of practice at that. It’s a living.

And please don’t let anyone give you a bad time for being alone and preferring it that way. Spending most days in solitude, for some people, is 100% fine. Not everyone thrives seeing people IRL every day; i’m so glad not to have to anymore unless i want!