There’s an unwritten expectation that once you get married, having children is not too far off. So when it doesn’t happen right away or even after a few years, you are apt to get questions from your family and friends. However, sharing infertility information with your family and friends can be a difficult choice.
You have a few options on how to handle their curiosity.
- Be honest. You’d be surprised how supportive the people around you can be. Chances are they know somebody else who is dealing with the same issues, and may have some good advice.
- Make something up. Tell them you’re not financially ready, or that you want to get your career in order first.
- Dodge the issue entirely with a witty response. This usually won’t be very effective in the long run, but may be enough to change the subject.
Don’t feel like you need to tell everyone about what you are going through, unless you are comfortable talking about it with them. Remember that this is an inherently personal issue between you and your partner. It may even be helpful to have a discussion with him/her first and determine what infertility information you plan on sharing and who you plan on sharing it with, so that you are both on the same page.
