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Are introverts and people who value alone time less interested in having kids?

Society puts a great deal of pressure on people -- namely women -- to have children. However, we live in a time, with so many birth control options readily available, when people can carefully contemplate such a life-altering commitment.

Based on what I've read online and what certain people have told me, introverts and people who place a premium on their free time seem less likely to want to take the leap. I also know this to be true because I myself am one.

Here are just a couple of reasons why introverts may be less apt to have children:

  • They value their alone time to read, write, watch documentaries, or pursue other solitary activities
  • They live in their heads
  • Having kids integrates parents more into society (birthday parties, PTA meetings, etc.), which is not good news for introverts who prefer less social interaction
  • Being a parent forces you to be "on" all the time, which can be draining, especially when your kid happens to be loud and unruly
  • Less sleep
It seems a lot of people are more suited to be pet owners than parents. I'm still on the fence, although I have moments where I feel I would want to have a baby girl. The ones who've made the biggest impact on my life have all been women, so I see having a daughter of my own as paying it forward. 

It's really a toughie. There's nothing I enjoy doing more than reading, writing, and watching documentaries in the quiet confines of my room.  I worry that having a child running around will turn my life upside down and prevent me from doing the introvert-friendly activities I relish so deeply.

Do you agree that introverts and people who prize their freedom are less likely to have children?


To read more posts on How to Understand People, please check out the ones below.

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