The F Word.

Lately Matt and I have been discussing something that is turning out to be pretty controversial among our friends. So let's just address head on, shall we? - Here's the issue: Matthew and I have started discussing starting a family. It doesn't mean that we are going to run out and get pregnant right this instant, but if that were to happen, we wouldn't be upset. Let's take a look at some of the responses we have gotten from our friends and peers:

1. You guys are way too young. 
My response to this is that there are people having children way younger than us. Couples used to have couples when they were younger than we are now. There's no "right" age to have a child. It depends on the situation. I know of girls my age who are having their second child and they are great moms.

2. You're going to California. You'll be all alone.
We're going to be alone no matter how long we wait. Whether it's in California or whether it's where we are stationed. That's part of the life we chose when Matthew joined the Air Force. We won't always be around our families or our friends. There will be times when we will be completely alone. But that doesn't mean we can't have a family.

3. You're not ready.
I truly hate this response. How can anyone know whether or not Matthew or myself are ready? You don't know what goes on in our house, in our minds. You only know what we tell you, what we show you. I don't believe that anyone has the right to state whether or not Matthew or I are ready for a family.

4. Looks of disgust.
I loathe this reaction as well. I don't understand how anyone could react negatively about someone wanting a child. I believe that it truly speaks about that person's character. - And yes, I did actually get this reaction from a "friend". I mentioned how we wanted a child and this person had a look of disgust on their face. I was horrified at their reaction.

5. You don't know what it entails. You're not thinking clearly about it.
Yes, I realize I don't completely know what it means to have a baby. But be honest. Does anyone ever have a baby and know exactly what they're getting themselves into? I even talked to my mom about it. Her answer was that she didn't know how she was going to do it even when she was in labor. She also said that she could tell me everything about having me, but that it wouldn't matter because it's different for everyone. So what I mean is this - no one knows exactly what they're getting into.

6. You probably can't afford it.
Again, how can anyone try and tell me about my own finances? Believe me, Matthew and I have crunched all the numbers. Especially once he goes off in the Air Force, we will be making enough money. Not that it's any of your guys' business.

7. Well, if you were already pregnant, I'd support you 100%. But since you're not pregnant already, I don't support you.
This is one of my favorite responses. I think it's actually quite hilarious.  Regardless of whether or not I'm already pregnant shouldn't matter. If you're truly my friend, you'll support me no matter what.

8. Straight up ignoring it.
I've had many friends try to just ignore it. I try to talk to them about it and they bulldoze over me with their own problems. Apparently, having different wants and different issues means they just don't matter.

And those my friends, are the top eight reactions that we've received from "friend" when we've tried talking about having a family. So, if you have any of these thoughts - please keep them to yourself. This decision is ultimately ours. If you can't support us, maybe we aren't as good of friends as we thought.