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How to respond to strangers commenting on my pregnancy?

knottiec9bbbc937bb3c2e6knottiec9bbbc937bb3c2e6 member
edited November 14 in 3rd Trimester
Little rant here—and I need advice! 

Went to the post office the other day and the middle-aged man at the counter noticed my bump and my kids in tow (ages 5 and 3). First thing he said was, “Not to seem disrespectful, but you do know how that keeps happening, right?” I didn’t know what to say and felt very uncomfortable. 

How on earth are we supposed to respond to comments like this? Maybe 30 years ago it was more acceptable to make fun of strangers’ reproductive decisions, but I’m not interested in just giving them a sympathy laugh at my expense and lead them to believe that’s still appropriate behavior. But I also don’t want to totally lose my cool at them and put them on the defensive, because that probably won’t encourage them to stop making those kinds of comments either. I don’t know. 

Guess I’m just so done with strangers being insensitive. They would never tell my husband something like that to his face. If he takes our kids out he gets complimented for being a good dad instead of a constant chorus of “Wow, you’ve got your hands full.” 

Advice? What do you think is the most effective, courteous way to let people know their comments aren’t welcome?
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Re: How to respond to strangers commenting on my pregnancy?

  • kbmtkbmt member
    I have no idea what the best approach would be, but I imagine I’d just give him a look of disgust and say nothing. I’m sorry that you have to hear that.
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