Asking the person you’re dating whether they want kids can be daunting, especially if you’re both super young. I can tell you that I was not asking my high school sweetheart whether they wished to have kids with me. I could barely plan a date beyond eating a scrumptious meal at Raising Cane’s! As you get older, asking the person you’re dating whether they want kids is one of the most essential questions you can ask them. The answer will completely alter the trajectory of both of your lives, and it’s not one of those things you can compromise about. 

One 26-year-old woman recently took to Reddit in search of emotional support from other childfree people. She shared her story of breaking up with her boyfriend of 8 years because he wanted kids, and she didn’t. The conversation also circulated on Twitter, where people were much less sympathetic about her struggles.