Just Another Manic Mommy

Dear Manic Mommy: All my mom friends keep asking when my hubby and I will be wading into the parental pool. We're doing our best, but the questions get old (especially from that one woman who said, "Oh, I thought you were pregnant..."). How can I fend off their questions?

Sincerely, Trish's Dishes

Manic Mommy: There comes a time in a woman's life when some questions just become too personal and none of the other women's business, in my opinion. Many women have difficulties becoming pregnant or choose to put pregnancy off because they want to concentrate on their career or do other things before starting their family. Really, you owe these friends, no matter how close you are to them, no explanation.

But because they are your friends and are excited for you to jump into the "mom waters" with them, the best way to respond is usually with humor, but in a way to let them know you don't want to discuss it further. You could say something like "Who knows? It could be nine months from last night!" or "Hey, maybe we'll get a visit from the Sperm Fairy tonight!" Keep it light, and tell them they'll know something when you know something. If they're really close friends, sometimes they'll find out even before hubby! And as for that one woman who commented she thought you already were pregnant-she definitely does not sound like a friend; she was just rude and inconsiderate!

Your friends mean well. They really do. And when you do become pregnant, they'll be thrilled the day you tell them your hubby's swimmers took the big dip and made it all the way to the deep end! In the meantime, tell him to keep practicing his strokes!