More people are now opting to be child-free, and some are just happy to have pets by their side. However, not everyone shares the same sentiment — just like this netizen, whose views on family life rubbed people the wrong way. Here’s what happened:

What it means to be a family

In a Facebook post, the netizen shared his opinion about a DINK (dual income, no kids) couple who treats their pets like their children.

“I saw this video where a couple is basically romanticizing the idea that they’re DINKs (dual income, no kids) but treat their kittens and/or dogs as their own babies and then refer to themselves as fur parents,” he wrote.

Citing his religious beliefs, the netizen encouraged everyone to “be fruitful” and “create human beings that have eternal souls with their own unique characteristics as people made in the Image of God (Imago Dei).”

“Stop roleplaying to be a family; be one,” he added.

Pinoys disagree with his remarks

The Philippines is a predominantly Christian nation, so it’s not surprising to see people with opinions strongly influenced by their religious beliefs. Nonetheless, many felt his remarks were offensive and domineering.

“Wala naman sila tinatapakan na tao,” one Facebook user wrote. “If they don’t want kids then let them be.”

While there’s nothing wrong with having your own spiritual beliefs, they pointed out that his views only apply to his fellow believers, and nobody should be compelled to embrace beliefs they disagree with, especially on how people define what a family is.

Family means something different for everyone.

“Anyone can define what family is to them. As long as there is love, whatever the structure is, then they are one,” one Facebook user wrote.

Some told him to just mind his business and let people live on their own terms.

“Pati ba nmn pagiging family. Move on. Not wanting babies isn’t a sin. Puro multiply-multiply, edi mag-multiply kayo, bakit need mangielam?”

Be a parent when you’re finally ready

People also said that having kids is something you should genuinely want, not because it’s your sole life purpose. 

“This is one of the main reasons why children grow up unhappy — their parents having them to satisfy what society (or other influences) expects of them. Families can come from anywhere with anyone and anything.”

There’s nothing wrong with calling yourself a fur parent

As long as they’re not hurting anybody with their actions, should one really go out of their way to insinuate that they’re less of a parental figure simply because they’re raising pets?

“How could you undermine the ‘DINK’ dynamic and say, ‘Stop roleplaying to be a family’? Is love shared between partners towards other non-human beings any worth less in this setting? Is that how one-dimensional a family is to you, that you only define and validate it when there are children involved?” Another comment reads.

Choosing to be child-free doesn’t mean you’re anti-children

People live a child-free lifestyle either by choice or because of chronic medical conditions. Let’s also not disregard the financial means, physical capability, and emotional preparedness you must have to raise those little bundles of joy. Some people don’t see parenthood in their cards, and that’s alright. After all, being child-free is better than ending up an irresponsible and resentful parent, right?

You’re welcome to express your opinion, but you don’t get a free pass from opposing views or criticisms, especially if your opinions perpetuate harm or discrimination.

The next time someone pressures you to start a family, it might be good to ask them this question:

What can you say about this? Let us know in the comments!

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