Sitting with my friend in a bar, I ordered myself a large wine. ‘I’ll just have a lemonade. It’s “Mum’s taxi service” later,’ she tutted, explaining she had to pick her teenage kids up from a party. She watched on with envy as I enjoyed my vino, and I didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty. In fact, I felt a little bit smug that I didn’t have to worry about being responsible for anyone other than myself. More than 20 years ago, I made the decision not to have children and even now, I believe it’s the best decision I ever made.
My childhood was a happy time: lovely holidays, from Clacton-on-Sea to the Costa Brava, chaotic but fun family Christmases, and fully embracing everything about growing up in the 1970s and 80s. I guess I was in a minority club, as I’m an only child. No big brothers or sisters looking out for me, and no younger siblings to boss around! It suited me just fine – I made friends really easily and this continued into adulthood, too.
Denne historien er fra June 12, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra June 12, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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ANITA NAIK A PROBLEM SHARED
Mum-of-two Anita Naik has been an agony aunt for 32 years
ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA
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MIND OF MY OWN
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Loose Women IN CRISIS
With unhappy viewers and panel fall-outs, are the key characters about to be axed?
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Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
