Why do some assume because you're female you're automatically maternal?

I know what your saying. I have never really enjoyed the little ones either. One on one is okay but you get more than one and I start to look for the exit.

Thank goodness that in today's world that a female is allowed to be w/o children, so many females in the past (and even now) had children because they feel like it is the thing to do.

I would say something like "gee, to be real honest with you I would rather not be responsible for the child, I am really here to visit". Leave it at that and after a few times they will get the picture.

Just wanted to say that you're not an oddity, as one answerer suggests.

I also agree with the answerer who said wait until everyone starts asking you why you don't have children. I like to tell people that I wasn't able to have children. They just assume that they've stumbled onto some touchy medical subject. It makes them uncomfortable.

I think you should just be vocal, and decline the "offer".

You should also be aware that everyone has something that they love, that they can't begin to imagine someone else would not love. Your cat, your car, your kid, whatever. So be prepared for the "you don't really mean that" smile, and the second attempt at "offering" you quality time with their kid.

Perhaps if you began teaching their children to burp the ABC's or tell fart jokes, or hock a lugey, they may not be as tempted to pull the little dump the brat maneuver in the future. Kids can be pretty funny, if you do it right.

Good luck.

Because more often than not women ARE maternal and DO have those feelings. You are an oddity, the exception to the rule. No one would just automaticlly assume you were so tense around children.

They just see you as they want/expect you to be. I think you're real friends will know that you don't want kids shoved in your face.

The people that don't get it - well that's their problem. The fact that you are honest with yourself indicates to me that if you ever "chose" to become a mother, you would probably make a great one.

It would be nice if people paid more attention to each other and wouldn't try to force rolls on others.

Because we assume that women...because we can have kids...WANT to have kids. A sure-fire way to keep the kids from being handed over to you...tell them you think you're coming down with the flu. And then cough a little.

Well if you not , why take the children in the first place, you are maternal uncompy so ,but you are. I would just say no but I'm a Man and make up my mind there and then.

Wait till you get to the stage when people ask you do you have kids? when you answer no, they come back with either why not? as if it's any of their business.

or the tell you that it will happen eventually. Yeah well probably not unless a miracle in science occurs...

Just like when people assume I like children just because I have one. I love mine. Not everyone else's.

this is a general misconception. Don't let people manipulate you as to feel guilty. Not everyone in this planet is fit to motherhood.

I don't know. I've thought that myself. I feel exactly the same! At least we're not the only ones!