Baby, today I want to tell you about the thoughts and actions of a father before sharing the joy of pregnancy with others. ahI really want to tell you how foolish I acted due to my arrogant thoughts.
Conceiving a life is such a big deal that you may hesitate or even be afraid. but Because of the mystery and sublimity of life, pregnancy will always be an exciting and anticipated event.. Therefore, when they hear the news of pregnancy, many people rejoice, congratulate and bless you as if it were their own.
However, it does not mean that I can get pregnant at will. Even now, many couples desperately want children but are unable to have them due to various reasons. If you become infertile or infertile, you may experience great stress and spend a huge amount of money. As you get older, anxiety will come in waves. Is it because those men and women are not good at something? Not really. As I said before, there are some things we cannot do with our own will. If there is a God, I hope he protects them.
Dad, I have a really great and wonderful colleague sitting next to me. The employee, in his mid-40s, had transferred to the department where my father worked. When we had a meal together and asked about his family, he said he had no children.
“It wasn’t voluntary.”
I don’t know if he was afraid that we would be surprised, or that he would be overcome by his own sadness. However, the spinning words actually made Dad more solemn.
“Oh, no, you don’t have to be that surprised. “My ex-wife and I are still getting along like newlyweds.”
He was the first to block my father’s mouth as he tried to say words of comfort.
“They say babies bring indescribable joy and indescribable pain. Look at that employee in our department who is raising three children. Doesn’t he seem like a complete adult? Compared to that, I’m still like a kid, right? haha”
After finding out about the employee’s family history, I was more cautious about telling the truth about my mother’s pregnancy. Of course, the employee would have warmly and sincerely congratulated you on coming to this world more than anyone else, but I was afraid that seeing my dad happy would bring back some painful memories in him. When I thought about how my boasting would put painful fragments in his heart, I felt sorry for revealing that I was pregnant.
The problem wasn’t one that could be solved just by Dad not talking about you. Other people in the office have been asking about the health of the pregnant mother and the fetus. As a father, I was very grateful, but I couldn’t help but notice his feelings. I couldn’t make a fuss with a happy face, and I always had no choice but to answer hesitantly. I guess I could say that I feel like I’m becoming an ‘unpleasant’ person to people who ask me about my current situation with affection.
“Oh, your wife? “I don’t think there’s anything wrong, but I need to get tested.”, “I guess I’ll have to go to the hospital to find out what the condition of the fetus is like.” “Yes, I think I’m doing well these days. I’m busy with work, so…”
Answering this way made my dad feel sorry for the people who cared. So, I went to the office staff one by one and told them the whole story. I was very grateful for the goodwill of asking, but I also said that I felt a little uncomfortable filling the office’s empty speakers with pregnancy-related stories. The employees who heard what I had to say understood my father.
Of course, if that employee finds out that I went to other employees and talked about it, he or she may be even more upset. He confided everything in his heart to your father, and he really sincerely waited for and congratulated you on your birth.
Another case was ‘imming out’ in front of people who were trying to get pregnant. My dad’s high school classmate was trying hard to have a child with her husband. That classmate got married much sooner than my father and mother, and prepared for a long time to have children. However, seeing as there is still no news as of this writing, it doesn’t seem to be easy.
In a situation where dad had to tell his friends about mom’s pregnancy, he had no choice but to worry once again. My father created a group messenger room with his classmates and stayed in touch there, asking about each other’s current status, and his daughter-in-law was also included in it. I also thought about how much of a loss it would be if my friend told me that she couldn’t get pregnant no matter how hard she tried and suddenly had a child less than two or three months after getting married.
‘What should I do? Should I call each individual and let them know? A group messenger chat room would be better, right? Should I talk lively? ‘Surprise?’
Without being able to sort out my complicated thoughts, I sent a message to the KakaoTalk group room.
“Week 7….”
I left a timid ‘I’m out’ message and stamped my feet until I got a reply. Please don’t seem too ‘bragging’. I hope that friend receives strength, not hurt.
Was it rain? There were enthusiastic congratulations from my dad’s friends. In particular, the female classmate showed warm interest by asking me if my gender was revealed and if I was honeymoon beige (?), and said, ‘Please! He also gave me a compliment (?), telling me to be like my mom. Also, I didn’t forget to tell my dad to be good to me so that my mom wouldn’t feel upset.
‘Why were you worried for no reason?’
I felt really at ease when I saw that friend’s message.
When I think about it now, I think I was really nervous. It was an action I did in hopes that my father’s joy would not stimulate someone’s pain and cause nervousness, but in some ways, I think it was a clumsy and arrogant ‘consideration’.
Rather, I think my father himself didn’t have the courage to speak up and receive congratulations. In fact, the people around my dad were ready to congratulate him enthusiastically.
**How do you think the narrator’s anxieties about social media reactions reflect larger societal pressures surrounding achievements and self-presentation?**
This passage explores themes of social pressure, self-consciousness, parental expectations, and navigating complex emotions in personal relationships. Here’s a breakdown of potential interview questions organized thematically.
**Section 1: Social Pressure and Self-Consciousness**
* The narrator expresses anxiety about how their announcement will be perceived. Have you ever felt the same pressure when sharing personal news, especially on social media? What were your concerns?
* The narrator worries about their announcement appearing “bragging.” How do you think societal norms influence how we present ourselves and our accomplishments online?
* The narrator tries to anticipate and manage the reactions of others. Why do you think it’s so important to control the narrative around personal milestones?
**Section 2: Parental Expectations and Family Dynamics**
* The narrator is concerned about their mother’s potential feelings. How do familial expectations and dynamics shape our choices and behavior, especially regarding major life events?
* The narrator mentions their father’s friend’s reactions. How can differing social circles and perspectives influence how a single event is interpreted and celebrated?
* The narrator reflects on the potential awkwardness of their father’s happiness. How do we balance celebrating personal victories while being mindful of the feelings of others who may be going through different experiences?
**Section 3: Navigating Complex Emotions**
* The narrator experiences relief upon receiving a supportive message from their friend. How can genuine connections and understanding help us overcome self-doubt and insecurity?
* The narrator recognizes that their initial actions might have been misguided.
How can we learn to be more self-aware and considerate when navigating sensitive situations?
* The narrator ultimately chooses to embrace vulnerability and honesty in their reflections. How can vulnerability contribute to personal growth and deeper understanding of ourselves and others?
**Bonus Questions:**
* What advice would you give to someone who feels overwhelmed by social pressure when sharing personal news?
* How can we create a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals navigating big life changes?
* Do you think the narrator’s reflection on their actions will change their approach to future announcements?
Remember, these are just starting points. Encourage open and honest discussion, allowing participants to share their own experiences, thoughts, and perspectives.
