Authentic, courageous and helpful essay, Shanti. My heart and love go out to you. I'm glad you shared your truth, and I hope you never again feel judged or less that for a circumstance that was beyond your control.

I got pregnant far too easy, and i wish I that were an exaggeration - but when pregnant with my third, I didn't tell a soul. Not even my closest friends, my mother and sister -- and the reason:

I didn't want to be misunderstood.

I was completely devastated that I was having another child I was not prepared to nor really wanted...it was again - unplanned for.

And I had two close friends who just could not get pregnant.

I just knew others looking in would say, "How dare she not feel blessed and so fortunate to be pregnant as I would give the world to be too!"

So I remained silent for months...until I made peace and grew grateful and prepared to move forward.

I share all that because all us need to remember:

It's an individual experience.

To your point - we need to end and stop these societal expectations that we wave with a wide brush expecting all women or men to feel/act/behave/react a certain way just based on our gender. It's just asinine.

Loved your read - and glad it has been warmly appreciated and read - may it continue to make its rounds around the globe!

Thanks for writing. ♡