Adopting.org Discussion Forums

Here are some of the most commonly heard insulting, inappropriate, and irritating comments - and classic comebacks - contributed by members of all segments of the adoption community.

Continue reading Annoying Things People Say

Many people do not have a filter on their mouth. If they did, many of these cliches would not come spewing out of their mouth. Also, they are uneducated about adoption and do not understand many of the different facets of adoption. This is why they try to minimize it or compare it to adopting a pet. Educating people is the best way to help them learn more about adoption and become more comfortable with it.

What do you say when your might be sharing with someone that you are in the beginning of the process of adoption, and people say, "Oh,that's wonderful!" And then they actually ask you, "So can you not have children?"
AHHH!!!! Obviously many people are unable to have biological children, but many are and still adopt. Not to mention that it's really nobody's business something as private as your own body!

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this question?

Although that VERY personal kind of question is probably a great opportunity to educate people about adoption, sometimes it feels like a body slam. hehe.. of course, knowing me, I'd probably answer with something like, "oh, you mean that's a requirement?"