Gee Thanks, I Never Thought of That

I am a very open person. I always have been, and especially so with our struggles with infertility. I feel that if my story can help someone just by me telling it, then why not? Most of the time people are genuinely curious about the process of IVF, as it can be a sort of taboo subject. It has also helped me connect with other women in a similar situation (rarely are stories of infertility the same)and create bonds that will be there forever. Through talking to other women who want to have a baby, there is one thing that rings true for just about everyone. The "fertile Myrtles" of the world that think they have a smidgen of an idea of what you are going through. The conversation usually goes something like this:

Myrtle "How long have you been married?"

Me "A little over 7 years."

Myrtle "Do you have any kids?"

Me "Not yet, hopefully soon though."

Myrtle "How long have you been trying?"

Me "About 6 1/2 years, we are currently doing IVF to try and get pregnant."

Myrtle "I didn't have to try at all with any of my kids. Just relax and it will happen."

Now I don't want to sound like a b-word, but if that is the advice you have to give me, please keep it to yourself. After all that we have been through to try and conceive, we are waaaay beyond the "just relax" point. I understand that Myrtle is only trying to help and probably doesn't really know what to say, but until you have been in my shoes, please do not tell me to relax. Trust me, if you have thought of it, I have probably tried it (and more than likely a few things that you haven't even heard of). I am more than happy to answer any questions or to accept any well wishes or even defend my choices if someone does not agree with them. But if you tell me to relax, my response will be "Gee thanks, I never thought of that!" along with an eye roll.