Well this thread ran and ran!
EF you are welcome to swim in my direction any time. I loved your little rant.
As for pressure to have kids - I don't get it from my inlaws - very wisely they say nothing when the conversation goes in that direction - I get it from my partners 9 year old daughter who cannot comprehend that I would not want to have a baby just for her to play with. She has a new baby brother at home and was complaining about the fact he cries, tempered with "but he's soooo cute". I suggested the best way to deal with a crying baby is to stick it in the shed at the bottom of the garden and turn the stereo up until it gets bored. She was horrified and has since stopped trying to get me up the duff, thank god!
She hasn't stopped the silly "would you rather have both legs amputated or have a baby?" game ... going to extraordinary lengths to confirm just how much I would not one.
My partner also cannot comprehend how I went from being a nanny (I did used to like kids when I was a kid myself) to being the person who enjoying a sunny QUIET afternoon in the garden with my book goes ballistic when I hear children screaming and laughing in a neighbouring garden and stamps off like an old troll into the house to find ear plugs.
Am I the only person who finds children irritating and plainly a nuisance?!