Ever had someone make an assumption about your life that left you speechless—or just plain frustrated? For many on the path to parenthood, few assumptions sting more than the classic "Are you pregnant?"—especially when paired with an uninvited belly rub. (Yes, really, that still happens.) But in 2025, these moments spark much deeper conversations about boundaries, empathy, and the many ways families are created today.
The Viral Story Everyone's Talking About
If you’ve been anywhere near social media this week, you’ve probably come across this jaw-dropping article on TwistedSifter. The headline? “Her Coworker Rubbed Her Belly Assuming She’s Pregnant, So She Put Her In Her Place.” As cringe-worthy as it sounds, this real-life scenario is a wake-up call for anyone navigating workplaces, family gatherings, or friend circles.
Pregnancy comments are so last decade—and so are the assumptions that surround them. But why do these microaggressions still happen, and what can we do differently?
2025: The Era of Diverse Family Building
Today, more people than ever are building families outside of traditional models. Whether it's through IVF, surrogacy, donor conception, at-home insemination, or adoption, the path to parenthood isn't a straight line. For some, it’s a winding, emotional journey fraught with obstacles invisible to the outside world.
So imagine being on that journey—struggling with infertility, loss, or even simply choosing a different timeline—only to have someone assume you’re expecting. It’s more than awkward. It can be downright hurtful.
Why These Assumptions Still Hurt
- They invalidate the diversity of people’s journeys. No two paths to parenthood look the same.
- They can trigger old wounds. For those who’ve faced infertility, loss, or medical complications, even a joking comment can reopen tender memories.
- They undermine bodily autonomy. Uninvited touches and questions are boundary-crossing, plain and simple.
So, What CAN You Say Instead?
Here’s the good news: 2025 is all about listening instead of assuming. Instead of guessing or teasing about someone’s family plans, try:
- Asking open-ended, supportive questions (“How have you been lately?”)
- Respecting privacy—if someone wants to share, they will.
- Offering empathy: “It’s so great to see you. If you ever want to talk about anything, I’m here.”
You never know where someone is in their journey, but you can always be a source of encouragement.
How New Tools Are Changing the Conversation
As family building options expand, so does the need for information and community. Take at-home insemination, for instance—a quietly transformative option that empowers individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey on their own terms.
Companies like MakeAMom’s innovative insemination kits are bridging the gap between clinical and personal, offering reusable, cost-effective tools for those who want more privacy and flexibility. Their resources, success stories, and support are helping to replace assumptions with knowledge and compassion.
Building a Supportive Community—One Conversation at a Time
If you’ve ever found yourself on the receiving end of an awkward family comment (or, let’s be honest, an overzealous coworker with boundary issues), remember: you’re not alone. The Nestful community exists because so many of us are rewriting the rules about what “family” looks like—and challenging outdated assumptions along the way.
Let’s be real: The only people who get a say in your parenting journey are the ones you invite into it. So the next time someone crosses a line, feel empowered to set them straight—or simply set a boundary. You never owe anyone your story unless you want to share it.
The Bottom Line: Assume Less, Support More
The viral story making the rounds this week is more than a cautionary tale—it’s a reminder that behind every belly, every couple, and every smile, there’s a unique story unfolding. As we move into a future of ever-more diverse paths to parenthood, the best thing we can do is uplift, respect, and support each other.
Have you experienced an awkward assumption or want to share your own journey? Jump into the comments to connect with others who understand. The more we talk about the real stories behind family building, the stronger our community becomes.