Everyone Thinks Cheating on Your Spouse Is the Highest Form of Betrayal. But There's One Lie That's Worse.

"Hey Prudence, Re She Deserves the Truth: A person can leave a cheating spouse at any point in the marriage and potentially find a new partner and remarry. But a woman who wants kids cannot not have kids at any point. That's why lying about wanting kids someday is worse than cheating. In this situation, I would give my friend a specific time frame to tell, and if they didn't, then I would. -DMem"

"Re Not an Uber: I'm very much usually Team "Not Your Kids, Not Your Responsibility," but even I think it's pretty shitty to hand a kid a snack in front of two other kids and not have anything for them. I mean, heck, even as a grown adult, I'd find it a bit obnoxious if a friend and I were picked up by another friend, and the driver handed my friend a snack/coffee/whatever but was like, "Sorry, nothing for you!" -Carmen Sandiego"

"Re Don't Know How to Deal With This: You sound BURNED OUT. Is there anyone who can help you out? Any friends or family who can help with appointments or around the house? I know you said money is tight, but even hiring someone for a few hours to give yourself a break might help change your frame of mind. You have to put on your own oxygen mask first, and I think that your wanting to leave and escape is your mind's way of telling you that you need a break. Caregiving is exhausting mentally, physically, and financially"

A person can end a marriage after infidelity and potentially remarry, but delaying or lying about wanting children permanently affects reproductive opportunities. Lying about future desire for kids is framed as more damaging than cheating because of biological time limits. One commenter recommends giving a clear timeframe for disclosure and leaving if the partner refuses. Another commenter objects to unequal treatment of children during carpool, calling it inconsiderate to give a snack to one child and not others. A caregiver is described as exhausted and advised to seek help, consider paid respite, and prioritize self-care.

Read at Slate Magazine