Dear AA and BC,
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I am having family issues that are driving me to distraction and causing havoc in my marriage.
My husband of five years and I have decided that we do not want children.
As you can imagine, after five years of marriage everybody is asking the inevitable question of the pitter patter of little feet.
My husband and I decided that we would be honest when asked and when we told my parents, everything was OK.
Recently his mother brought up the topic and reluctantly he told her of our choice.
She just about had a fit and made it all about her. Now because of her reaction, my husband keeps suggesting we re-think our decision.
As if that isn't bad enough, he has made it appear to his parents that we may well change our minds. That is not happening. Now every time we go near them it is raised as the big conversation of the day.
I am angry with them but disappointed that my husband appears to have lost his back bone. Advice please.
I agree with the Boys Club. Men can be strange when faced with the negativity or disappointment of their mothers.
There is little you can do to change that phenomena; you can only deal with your particular issue.
If you two have made a decision that you both agree to, stick to it. I think you have to tell your man that you can see no reason to change your agreement and perhaps if his mother wants more little children she could foster some that she has to take care of.
I know many people who make a decision not to have children for a multitude of reasons, so be it.
It is truly a personal decision. Don't let the family friction cause marital problems. Keep your little chat with your husband unemotional and calm and all should go well.
Trust us, boys are often cowards in the face of their mothers. Stick to your guns we say and tell him to "man up" ... unless his mother wants to start looking after the kids that is.
* Want to ask Agony Aunt a question? Email auntyagony@outlook.com