Living only for your own pleasure is selfish

Something funny (and also kind of crazy) happened at work today. I was just having a normal afternoon. We were all laughing and joking around. I was in a good mood, doing my job, minding my business. Then this older lady walks in. She looked like the type who drinks tea at 4 PM sharp and judges people for fun.

She needed help placing an order, so I was helping her, smiling, being polite. While I was looking for an item, she started making small talk—typical American style. “How are you?” “Where are you from?” “How old are you?” I told her I’m in my 20s.

Then came the question.

She goes, “Do you have any children yet?”

I said, “No, I don’t want any.”

She blinked. Hard. Like I just told her I sell organs on the black market.

She stares at me with this face—like I had just kicked a puppy. “Why not?” she asks, already annoyed. So I gave her a short, honest answer:

“I just don’t want them. I like my freedom, I want to travel, sleep, do things I love, and honestly, kids are expensive.”

This woman went from customer to preacher real quick. She looked at me and said:

“You are sinning. Living only for your own pleasure is selfish. You were made to have children, that's why God made you a woman, that's your purpose!"

Excuse me?

Lady, I was made to eat chocolate in peace and take naps when I want, play with my ducks and pets, do what I want, thank you very much.

She just kept shaking her head like I was doomed. She didn’t even finish her order properly. She left angry, like I had personally ruined her dream of being a grandmother.

I stood there holding a notepad and pen, thinking… wow. I came to work to sell things, not to be guilt-tripped by a stranger in a beige cardigan.

Anyway, I guess I’m a sinner now.

A well-rested, snack-sharing, free-time-having sinner.

I’ll light a candle and continue to enjoy my sinful peaceful life.

Love,

Ana

P.S. What if that happened to someone who physically couldn't have children??? Just a thought. How would she have felt after saying that? Anyways, I'm going to make a smoothie and watch a good movie.