Journalist Nadia Bokody, from Sydney, is never one to shy away from controversy.
Known for her polarising articles, the She Said global editor has now declared she can’t be friends with women who have become mothers.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Ms Bokody explained the reasoning behind her controversial viewpoint.
Sydney based journalist Nadia Bokody shared her belief in ending friendships with women who start to have children
Having watched friendships fall by the wayside for many years, Ms Bokody acknowledged it’s all about a shift in priority.
‘It’s not for lack of trying, but ultimately their priorities changed once there was a little human relying on them for every second of its life and the ability to drop everything and meet up for cocktails was simply impossible,’ she said.
On the rare occasions Ms Bokody did see her friends, the meeting was always on their terms with the conversation veering back to motherhood at every possible juncture.
Ms Bokody added her friends were so prone to fawning over their children she wondered why she’d been invited in the first place.
Known for her polarising opinions, Ms Bokody is never afraid to speak her mind
When one of her few remaining child-free friends announced she was expecting recently, Ms Bokody said she experienced a bittersweet wave of emotions.
Their children are their top priority, and I totally get that.
‘Knowing how long she’d been trying and how much effort she’d gone to to get her life to a place where she was fully equipped to welcome a baby into the world with no regrets, my heart welled up with happiness for her.
‘But I also experienced a deep and profound feeling of loss, because in that moment I knew our friendship was over.’
Ms Bokody said she knew from past experience how her friend’s new baby would quickly override the activities their relationship had been built on, like spontaneous nights out, girly chats about sex and weekends away together.
Ms Bokody said when she meets up with new mothers, they fawn relentlessly over their children to the point where she wonders why she was invited at all
Asked whether her friends understand this viewpoint, Ms Bokody said the vast majority agree that motherhood triggers irreversible changes in friendship dynamics.
‘Most of my friends who have had children actually readily acknowledge the fact that our friendships have dramatically changed as a result of their new life paths.
‘Their children are their top priority, and I totally get that. I’m just glad we’ve been able to be honest about it.’
Ms Bokody has only had one argument with a friend about her stance on the issue.
‘She was in total denial about the fact having a kid would change her life and swore she’d still be the same person.
‘Since giving birth two years ago I’ve seen her maybe twice and it’s been super awkward, we just don’t have anything in common anymore.’
The journalist says while she has ‘utmost respect’ for mothers, there needs to be more honesty about the changes parenthood brings to all aspects of life
Ms Bokody’s opinion is shared by ‘mummy blogger’ Christine Skoutelas who said it is not feasible for your social life to remain the same after becoming a mother.
While she has the ‘utmost respect’ for her friends who are parents, Ms Bokody urged women to be honest the changes motherhood brings to marriage, friendships, sex life and self-esteem.
‘While I’ll always be filled with pride for friends who announce they’re expecting, it will never be without a heavy heart, as I come to terms with the fact our friendship will soon come to its inevitable end.’