[mikestew]

What's strange to me is how the insecure the child free crowd seems to be regarding their choice.

Why would it be strange? The ones with kids have the same issue.

"It's the most important job in the world."

"Children are our future."

Just as touchy is religion. Oh, my, the mental hoops I see folks jumping through just to maintain a narrative.

Etc. People sometimes go to great lengths to rationalize their choices, and though you might find it strange, unusual it is not. If there is anything to be learned, be flexible and give up on that narrative when it no longer works for you. Feeling obligation to a 25 year-old you from ten years ago is unwise.