We can all agree that the act of childbirth is worth celebrating and deserves congratulations. We can also acknowledge that different people have different experiences with childbirth, and those experiences should be respected. That’s why Nikhil’s suggestion to greet a couple about to embark on this journey with words of compassion and forgiveness is an excellent idea.
It’s important to remember that individual feelings about childbirth tend to be complex. For some, the decision to have a child is something they look forward to and celebrate. However, for others, the reality of parenthood can be overwhelming. In such circumstances, empathy and understanding are far more meaningful than congratulations.
Despite what the retort suggested, Nikhil’s essay was never meant to imply that couples are making a mistake by having children. His words were simply meant to acknowledge the complexities of this life-changing experience: the joys, but also the fears and doubts. For couples facing these difficult emotions, “I forgive you” will be far more meaningful than “Congratulations!”
Not to mention, there's something undeniably funny about using "urrong" as a retort to criticism in the first place! UrRong if you don't think so ;)