Yes, believe it or not, I still watch bad TV, keep up on the latest celebrity gossip, and am honestly interested in how *you* are doing. Just because I'm pregnant, it doesn't mean that I've lost the ability to think and talk about things other than the baby. I know, you're shocked.
I don't know if it's that everyone really wants to know the gory details about how *I'm* feeling, or if it's just an obvious elephant-in-the-room type discussion opener that most people feel comfortable starting off with, but for some reason, the first thing anyone ever wants to talk about is the baby. It's as if I'm some new alien species that won't understand conversation outside of stroller features and crib recommendations. As much as I appreciate the advice (and the horror stories), the bottom line is that it goes in one ear and out the other because the baby isn't here yet. I don't have a point of reference. (Does that actually make me an alien?) Granted, I love this baby (still in its convenient carrying case) and I am thoroughly enjoying being pregnant - but, I still have interests outside this general topic (hello, the Sharks just made it to the second round of the playoffs!).
I am well aware thanks to people with children (PWC) that I should expect my life and interests to be over after the baby is born (which seems totally alien to me), but the key here is *after* the baby is born. Maybe PWC can only talk to me about the baby, because they have kids and they are their whole life now. But along with telling me to enjoy dinners at restaurants with my husband before the baby gets here, and relax and pamper myself now - don't you think they would also know that I should enjoy all my interests (gossip, political debate, etc..) and not be harassed by PWC?!
Now, people without children (PWOC) are interesting. My guess is they discuss the baby either out of fascination (which was me when I was not pg) or some crazy sense of obligation. Let me tell PWOC loud and clear, unless you are planning on having kids shortly (or trying) I don't actually expect you to be interested in all things baby! If you are, great. Research online like I did (because if you get me started, I might forget that you are a-PWOC or b-male, and babble on about things like episiotomies!). But you, PWOC, are my last conection to sanity. Talk to me about your wedding plans, about your awful boss, about your crazy neighbor that knows someone who knows someone who might know Drew Barrymore! I'm not PWC yet!!
