My close friends and I have been having a lot of hard conversations lately about parenthood. Sometimes it can feel like their reasons for not wanting to have children are negating my reasons for wanting to have kids (and vice versa). We don’t walk on eggshells around each other, and these tough conversations have only made our friendships stronger.

I look forward to the inevitable point in the future when I’m swamped with kid stuff and dirty laundry, and I can escape to their kid-free house for a drink and some blissful moments of silence. I’m grateful to have such amazing women in my life, and know they will be a part of our future kid’s life. They’re great role models for doing what rings true to you, and forging your own path.