My husband and I are in Hawaii, and we have a solid stance against having kids. We specifically chose a resort that has an adult area, including an 18+ only hot tub, because we couldn’t find an entirely adults-only resort within our budget. The rules at this hot tub are very clear—there’s a giant sign stating it’s for adults only. After a 10-hour flight full of screeching children, we were desperate to decompress. When we arrived at the hot tub, we found a group of unattended children screaming and splashing around like a pack of wild hyenas, so we begrudgingly waited.

The second day, we went downstairs as soon as the resort area opened, only to find a mom with a stroller blocking the path and a baby on her lap inside the hot tub. We got in anyway, and another couple joined us shortly after—they were clearly annoyed by the situation as well. Maybe I’m just hyper-aware, but it feels like everywhere we go, a crying child follows. Go to a bar after 10 or 11 p.m.? There are children. Adults-only areas? Children. Casinos in Vegas? Children. Loud, rated-R movies? Somehow, children. Even tattoo shops—people bring their kids. And then they complain that “no one considers them,” when in reality, society constantly prioritizes families with children. Those of us who don’t have kids are forced to deal with the massive inconvenience and noise pollution, even in the very few spaces that are supposed to be just for adults.