Hi everybody

Okay all, I’m making my first post. I’m 46 years old and voluntarily, happily Child-free. I’m from California but moved to Paris 1 year ago (yes, THAT Paris 🥐🇫🇷). My boyfriend of 6 years has 2 kids college age but I’ve never had the opportunity to really connect with them, so I still feel child-free. * I was told I’m perimenopausal at 42 and I cried. All I could think of was the crappy symptoms I’ve heard about and how I did not want to have to deal with them. And honestly I just felt like I’d got a slap in the face with “girl you are officially old!” But I still feel like I’m in my 20’s sometimes! So anyway, I know old is a construct and I confess the pandemic probably aged me from 20’s to 50’s but part of being here is to re-capture my younger self by hopefully meeting women who have navigated the change without letting it steal what’s left of their youth. Mentally, at least :-) Why child-free? I was bullied, badly neglected and emotionally abused growing up so being around children triggers a lot of negative emotions for me. Plus, I love love LOVE my freedom. I travel a lot, enjoy eating out and music festivals, and have a rich social life. I can do whatever I want, any time. And the money I’ve saved from not having children can fund my crazy lifestyle. Go out dancing at a club til 4am? Yes! Impromptu ski trip to the alps? Oui! Dinner at that hot new sushi spot with the 6-course omakase menu? Yum and count me in. I definitely feel it’s getting harder to make new friends as I age (especially after a big move). My age group is trending toward child-rearing as a result of the pandemic, or biological clocks ticking. So it’s really great to find a group like this. 👋🏻

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Ok, I’m the opposite of child free.. but loved your post.. I have four kids, was pregnant for a stretch of 8 yrs on and off. I’m at the van do whatever I want again part of lifeZ 55, went through menopause and didn’t even notice! No hotflashes, still weigh 102 and have the energy of a 20 yr old. I started around 45 peri.. I run, do weights, eat what I want, but I’m not a big eater..it doesn’t effect all women the same. I think being super active has helped me. I feel in the best shape of my life! Still wear a bikini and act like a kid (at times) I don’t dance till 4am though! You rock, don’t focus on the downsides.. they may not happen at all! Keep active, keep your muscles strong, and your body will thank you😉

@Michelle love your post and that sounds just like me (except the sushi!) and I’m childfree not by choice i.e. we couldn’t conceive, but we’re very happy and I’m excited to now embrace the childfree life. Michelle if you ever pop over to London do let me know!

@Trixie yes part of my problem is that I was not active enough when I was younger. I was always skinny without doing much… I ate very healthy back in the states but my new “living in France” diet is catching up with me (i HATE this mid-section weight gain) so I’m about to hire a personal trainer to at least get me strong for ski season

You sound like my kindred spirit! Kate 50’s and no kids…. We happily skip of to Ibiza for festivals, to Europe for fun weekends or anywhere in England that takes our fancy. Recently moved to UK from South Africa so miss my friends and looking to make new ones…. Happy to travel to meet up with people for a cappuccino or a glass of wine 😍

Welcome to the group! I'm 57 and child-free by choice. I've only ever been an animal mum and love it!

Hey! Im 45 and was never sure if i would have children then at 42 after trying and loosing a few i was told i was in full menopause but ive never really been able to say its from choice or not because i get a sad feeling sometimes knowing i will never have my own baby.. but I actually really love my life now as it is! I run my own business doing air bnbs and am always on holidays etc! I don’t have to worry about much and i love the freedom it gives you…. So I focus on what i have not what i dont… hence i joined here to connect snd widen my social circle hopefully:)

Hi Michelle. I love your transparency. Thank you. How are you enjoying Paris? That is so beautiful you ventured to a different country. Cheers to Life and experiencing it. Luz

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