How do you handle the question "When are you having kids?" from friends and family?

Many of us can relate to that awkward moment when friends or family casually drop the question, “When are you having kids?” It often feels like a punch to the gut, doesn’t it? For those of us navigating infertility, this question can bring up a whirlwind of emotions — from frustration to sadness, and sometimes even anger. It’s tough when people don’t understand the complexities of our journeys. One thing that has helped me is being prepared with a few responses that feel comfortable for me. I’ve found it useful to keep it light sometimes, saying something like, “Oh, we’re waiting for the perfect moment!” This can deflect the conversation without diving too deep into our personal struggles. But, if I’m feeling brave, I might choose to share a bit more about our journey. I’ve realized that opening up to a trusted friend or family member can sometimes lead to deeper conversations that foster understanding and connection. Another approach many of us have tried is to set boundaries. It’s perfectly okay to tell people that this is a sensitive topic for you. You might say, “I appreciate your interest, but it’s a challenging journey for us, and I’d rather not discuss it right now.” It’s empowering to assert our needs, and more often than not, people respect that. Connecting with others who are dealing with similar situations has also been a lifeline. I found a small group where we all share our experiences with infertility. Just having even one person who truly understands this struggle has made the hard days feel a little lighter. We swap stories, share coping strategies, and sometimes even just vent about the latest well-meaning but hurtful questions we’ve faced. Anyone else dealing with this? I’d love to hear what responses have worked for you or how you navigate those uncomfortable moments. Sometimes just one real conversation with someone who gets it changes everything.