Excellent and well presented piece. I had 3 children; they're men now. I had them young, all 3 by the time I was 23. I did the best I could, and it was my choice and it was HARD! I don't regret it. However, being childfree, if that is your choice is absolutely one of the most UNSELFISH things you can do. There's nothing worse than a child who is brought into the world unwanted, unloved and/or resented for showing up and spoiling the fun. And take it from me, a child knows. It's not always overt and it's not always conscious, but it's there and I've seen it many times.

As for friends and family that ask you when you're going to grow up and settle down, I have a reply for you - "right around the time you start minding your own business." :)