I Don't Know Nuthin' Bout Birthin' No Babies!
"I don't know nuthin' bout birthin no babies, Miss Scarlett!" - Butterfly McQueen, Gone With The Wind
There are some things I've just come to accept:
I won't win the lottery.
Robin Thicke is not going to propose to me.
My forehead won't shrink.
My butt will not get any bigger, unless I start taking the chicken pill.
My mother and I will probably never see eye to eye on anything.
The older I get, the more difficult it will be to meet eligible men who don't already have kids.
Yeah, I'm having a little difficulty with the last one and it's not for the reason you think either. I simply don't have a good track record with kids. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate 'em or anything, but for the most part, I just don't know how to relate to them.
Every time I come into contact with small children, I'm reminded of the time when, left to babysit my niece, I spent 15 minutes trying to put on her pamper, only to realize (much later when my sister got home) that I'd put it on backwards. And then there was the time when I almost drowned my god daughter in a bottle of formula as I attempted to feed her, forgetting that I hadn't yet screwed on the top. And there's that other time...well, you get the picture.
Society creates this image of women as naturally maternal and nurturing. I think I was absent the day they gave those out because I relate best to children when I'm annoying them (I'd affectionately dubbed one of my nephews as Fat Bastard upon the release of Austin Powers' movie, a name which I'm sad to stay has stuck around, even though he's at least a foot taller than I am now, and nowhere near fat...but Christmas wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't do my "crap on deck that could choke a doooooonkey" joke in his honor).
So you see, when I meet a dude and he tells me he has kids, I'm not necessarily jumping for joy. I think less about the "Baby Mama Drama" and more about how much the kid is gonna hate me for taking up their dad's time and what evil things they'll do to get rid of me (I've probably watched the Parent Trap one too many times). But alas, now that I'm older, it's getting a bit harder to find dudes who don't have any kids. And even after I find those dudes, then I have to think about whether they're compatible with my quirky personality. It's a hard knock life I tell ya.
There are some people out there who will not date someone simply because they have kids. I'm not one of them. After all, if either of my parents had been one of those people, I wouldn't be here writing this wonderful top-rated blog that you all enjoy. Hehe. But I still have my requirements:
I draw the line at one kid. Sorry. Maybe I'll change in the future, but my heart just can't take anything upwards of one right now. Besides, the more kids a dude has, the more time he has to spend with them, which means less time for me. What can I say? I'm still in my selfish phase.
I don't wanna meet the kid until it gets serious. The wedding rehearsal dinner should be juuuust about the right time. LOL. Seriously though, it's a lot harder to break off a relationship once you've met the person's kid and have formed a bond with them.
Just because dude has a child, doesn't mean I have to act like I have one too. I like to get up and go on trips, and do spontaneous things. While it would be nice to have my S.O. accompany me, I understand that sometimes fatherly responsibilities might prevent that. I'm cool with dude not going - as long he doesn't expect me not to go too.
LOL...I'm painting a fine picture of myself, aren't I?
How do you feel about dating someone with kids?
Email me your own dating/relationship question.


6 Comments:
PREFERENCES!
That's what it's all about. Even if you would not consider a man with 1 child as a possible love interest, nothing should be wrong with that.
If you hadn't re-adjusted your preferences before you've met someone, I don't think you should do it just to make the relationship. When you make those kind of personal/preferential adjustments in the face of an impending relationship you're more likely than not compromising yourself. I mean, there is nothing wrong with comprimise in a situation, but comprimising yourself in a situation is a different thing. And compromising yourself is less likely to be sustainable.
**short-winded?**
"And then there was the time when I almost drowned my god daughter in a bottle of formula as I attempted to feed her, forgetting that I hadn't yet screwed on the top."
Deb picture me hunched over in front of the computer laughing sooooooooo friggin' hard and loud, mind you I'm home alone...that shyt was so friggin' funny! shoooooot gotta make a toilet run...and you and Laura making me want to start a blog up in here LOL
"Society creates this image of women as naturally maternal and nurturing."
Ah...society...
I could never relate to children before I had my son...THAT'S when the maternal instinct kicked in. When I was younger I wouldn't go up to babies and toddlers and cuddle them although I wanted to...sounds weird, but I really thought that was acting too "grown".
I see absolutely nothing wrong with having limitations when it comes to dating men with kids. It's also wise not to get a child attached to you so soon. Kudos to you because some of the fathers don't know any better or don't care how many women their child sees them with.
I had something else to say...
...ah, yes...
"Just because dude has a child, doesn't mean I have to act like I have one too."
True...it would be very selfish of a person to expect you to alter your plans because parental duty calls. From you're not their wife...
16% said...If you hadn't re-adjusted your preferences before you've met someone, I don't think you should do it just to make the relationship. When you make those kind of personal/preferential adjustments in the face of an impending relationship you're more likely than not compromising yourself.
I don't think I necessarily agree with that. I think you can alter your preferences without compromising who you are. I don't normally date overweight guys, but if I met one that I liked and who stimulated me, I might have to change my thought pattern about why I don't date overweight guys. I think you can change superficial preferences, it's the ones that reflect your morals, goals and dreams that cause trouble.
LOL @ shortwinded
i tend to agree with you. while I don't completely rule men with kids out, I'm a bit leary. I tend to find guys that have a lot of drama as it is, without the kids. imagine if i threw in the baby momma!!
not having any kids, in my ideal world, i'd like to share that first kid experience with whoever if i ever settle down.
Post a Comment
<< Home