This one's for any single/unmarried parents here. how do you handle people who judge for being unwed

Mizukimommi

I'm 23 unmarried with a 6mo old daughter living in the south. Sometimes people either assume I'm a teen mom because I look really young, other times people look at my hand for a ring when I'm out with my dd and frown or look really stupid. It ticks me off sometimes. When I say boyfriend instead of husband there's immediate scrutiny from people even online.
I'm not some "baby mama" I'm a mother. I work, go to school and take care of countless other things all while being a mom. I hate that people judge my skills as a mom by whether or not I have a husband. My daughter's father loves her and we are working on our relationship. How do you deal with people like that? I want to be married one day and hopefully to her dad but I'm not rushing my life to make people feel better.

cherindi

It's the 21st century not 1970s who cares!! 50% of marriages end in divorce, and couples who aren't married have been proven to be a lot more happier and less stressed then married couples.. With the ring comment I know tons of married couples that don't "wear rings" there is no law that states you must wear a ring 24-7 once your married or engaged! I can't stand rings it annoys the hell out of me, my close friend doesn't wear a ring she can't wear jewellery for work! Another it allergic to gold and silver and I know a few who can't due to weight gain in pregnancy and they don't fit no more.