Summarize this article in one sentence.
If you are considering a long-term, committed relationship, one of the things you will have to confront is the question, "Do we want children?" If you two cannot agree on this point, you may not be compatible. Be honest. If you do not desire a child, but your partner does, it is best to know this before investing years in a relationship that might end because of this conflict. This conversation must have "only two people in the room". That means the wishes, opinions, and dreams of your relatives must not factor in. If your significant other says something like, "But I don't want to disappoint my mother..." politely remind them that this is between the two of you, not anyone else. Let your partner stand up for you. If you get hounded by friends or family for not having a child, let your partner speak up for you. If the topic is a sensitive one, ask them to answer for you. If someone is pestering you with questions, let your partner speak up or jump in with a response, and if they need support, do the same for your partner. For example, you can say, "I'll let my partner answer this question" or you can say to your partner, "Can you answer this question?" If you don't want to continue answering the same questions for the next 25+ years, you must stand firm to your choice. If you are in a relationship or marriage, tell your partner to take the same kind yet firm position when speaking about children. Being squishy and avoiding a direct answer will only give your relatives hope that you will recant one day. Have a discussion with your partner about how to respond when people ask about children. Discuss having a standard response back, such as, "We're choosing not to have children. We'll let you know if we change our minds."
Have a conversation with your partner. Provide support for each other. Get on the same page with your partner.