Listen up, everyone: it is strictly off-limits to inquire if a woman is expecting a child. Seriously. Never. Not once.
It’s simply none of your business—let’s be clear about that. To reinforce this point, let’s go through a little quiz titled SHOULD I ASK A WOMAN IF SHE’S HAVING A BABY?:
- If you run into an old acquaintance at the bus stop, should you ask if she’s pregnant? Absolutely not.
- You notice a stranger at the grocery store who might appear to be expecting. Is it appropriate to comment? Definitely not. That’s just plain rude.
- True or False: Women appreciate inquiries about whether they are expecting. (The answer is FALSE, by the way.)
- Picture this: A woman in the mall, clearly in her third trimester, is rubbing her belly and seems to be struggling with the weight. Is it appropriate to:
- A. Ask when she’s due?
- B. Excitedly proclaim how wonderful motherhood will be?
- C. Touch her belly and reminisce about your own pregnancy?
- D. Keep your opinions to yourself and move along?
(If you chose D, good job.)
- You find yourself on a Labor and Delivery floor witnessing a woman in labor. Should you ask if the baby is coming? No! Instead, fetch her some ice chips!
It doesn’t matter who you are; there’s no situation in which commenting on a woman’s pregnancy status is acceptable. What’s particularly frustrating is that some people genuinely believe it’s okay to voice such inquiries. It’s as if they haven’t learned the cardinal rule: if you have to ask, it’s probably best left unspoken.
What’s even more maddening is that there’s no parallel question directed at men. Nobody asks men if they’ve gained weight, how they spend their days, or if they’re expecting twins—despite some men sporting bellies that could rival a pregnant woman’s.
On behalf of all women—regardless of shape or size—I urge the perpetually curious to think twice before prying into a woman’s private matters. Keep your comments about her body to yourself; your curiosity does not excuse a lack of basic courtesy.
And for the record: No, it’s not that time of the month, my kids are not adopted, and yes, they are real.
In conclusion, let’s respect personal boundaries and avoid asking intrusive questions about pregnancy.
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