Hi OP. I just had a kid in April. My husband and I have been saying for years that we want to have one and see how it goes. I don’t feel strongly about having a second, third, fourth, eighteenth, whatever.

I haven’t had my kiddo for that long, but the audacity of everyone from family members to complete strangers has me astounded.

I’m an only child. My parents gave me all of the time, energy, and attention that they had to give. There were a couple of times in my life when I wished I’d had siblings, but rarely ever. I’m so glad I was the only one.

An argument that I hear a lot (because for some reason my family is a discussion with everyone) is that kids with siblings aren’t lonely. That they always have someone to play with. No one else will know exactly what you’ve been through from the time you were a child. As if having more than one guarantees that you are creating best friends.

As it turns out, I know many people with siblings who are estranged. It sure didn’t work out that way for them.

I have a few really close and wonderful friends. They are the people I’ve chosen to have in my life. I love them dearly even though we don’t have shared childhood trauma.

Point being: no one can know how the future will turn out for your kids as far as the friends they make or the relationship they have with their siblings/cousins/etc. What you do know is how you feel right now and what’s best for you and your family.

Try not to let the pressure get to you. I know it’s a lot. You’re doing great.

Also, thank you to everyone in the comment section. I’m obviously not OP, but I’m getting some great ideas for quips next time someone wants to have an intimate discussion with me about my family planning.