I'm not someone that hates kids, I have just never seen them in my future. I have a brother that has four kids (2 kids, and then twins came along). I enjoy their company for a short period of time, but I like it when they leave and I have my own space.

I was only introduced to thinking about if I ever wanted kids by someone I cared for romantically, asking me when I was about 23 "At what age do you think you want kids by" - I ended up saying 35 (The age I am now) - but as soon as she asked the question it was giving me troubles, and I just said 35 to push it far into the future.

It made me go away and really reflect on the question. It was difficult as I really cared for this person, but knew she really wanted them. I felt like I was telling a lie when I said 35, I came to the realization that I actually never see them being part of my future. Ever since then its been on my mind, and seems to be heavily tied to dating. I think after this I actually gave up on the thought of dating for a few years and focused on my art.

Then When I was looking into dating, I just went with trying to find someone online and never tried any various ways to meet someone in real life. I always figured that it's better online, as people can see your outlook and know if it's more likely to be a match. I'm trying now though after way too long, to look into meeting people in real life just during activities and see if something happens that way (Yea bad timing for that choice, I know) It never comes up in a conversation about being childfree, as I'm a guy. I'm quite sure though a lot of people I know must wonder why they have not seen me with anyone in a long time.

How/when do people bring it up with people they meet in real life for dating, at activities etc..

I like subreddits like this, and reading people's thoughts and various things that have happened in their lives with them being childfree. Also when I see someone mention they are with someone, and childfree, the hope to find someone grows a bit more.