Co-worker (sort of) had a kid, but I don't care?

The grown child of the owner of our small, familiy-run business had a baby a few days ago. I've never met the woman, I don't know the owner very well (He is elderly and mostly retired). Everyone around here is all full of oooo's and ahhh's. Personally, I don't care for kids. I was "forced" to sign cards for both the parents and grandparents "congratulating" them. Getting pregnant and having a kid are not exactly rocket science . What's to congratulate?? Let's face it, 12 year olds are getting pregnant and having kids these days.

What can I say to these people who are trying to force me to be happy about this? I don't see what's to congratulate.

I suppose you could just be friendly.
I understand, being pushed into oooo's and ahhh's as if thats every woman's greatest joy and interest can be annoying.
You said it a small family business so in order to save your job and save face , just pretend to be interested.
I know if you decided to bring in a little person I would be stuck haveing to smile too.
=D

I would just say that's good for them. Sometimes people who really want children have a hard time conceiving and carrying a baby to term, so in some cases it's a bit more difficult. It's fine that you don't care for kids, but a lot of people do. You don't have to be overly enthusiastic, but at least acknowledge that it's a happy event for those involved.

wow u sound bitter... and to tell u the truth if u look at it in a biological scientific way it really is a rocket science on how a baby is made... and there are tons of people who can't get pregnant too. Congratulations is regarding the fact that two people in love are going to have a baby. it can be a wonderful thing so why not congratulate them for it or at least wish them good luck.. nothing wrong with that. u don't have to sit there jump up and scream WHOOpYdo da yeAH!! but just be polite by wishing them luck and thats it.. its nice to see people happy so be happy for them being happy. thats all..

I would just be polite, smile and nod, and carry on with my business. Think of it as "office politics."

You don't have to be happy and jump all over and socialize with them.
Signing the cards was the nice thing to do. Most people feel happy when they talk about babies.
You don't have to celebrate but just be friendly.
And...loosen up a bit...wil you?

Yea i agree, people put to much crap in the fact some one got knocked up, wow 2 billion chiness, it not that big of a deal.

Can you say, "curmudgeon"? Lighten up, your people skills could use a little work. You sound resentful about all this. Most people observe the highlights of life, like childbirth, and it's OK if you don't, but it's a good idea if you keep it to yourself, because you're the one who's out of step.

Wow you sound like your chewing a wasp...Just be happy for somebody else and stop wallowing...You sound like a right barrel of laughs.

First off, no one can force you to be happy about anything.
Second, you signed the card so act like your happy about the occasion.
It's not like anyone wants you to be the God Mother or host a baby shower.

Signing the card was the right thing to do.
If you had to be forced to sign it, you are probably very egotistical and selfish.
If it bothers you that much that you "had" to sign it, I suggest you find a new job - you sound like the bad seed anyway.
As to what you can say to the people who are forcing you to sign it -Just tell them you would rather be a *?*& and not sign it.

Do you congragulate people for a new job? A new home? Wedding? Graduation? It's very similar.

Congragulations for a child isn't just that the parents have procreated and made a baby. It's congragulating a family for entering into a new phase in their lives.

You don't HAVE to be happy for someone else. What you do with your feelings is your own personal choice. But you do have to be polite and respectful.

Just be nice and wish them well. It won't hurt you.

Paste a smile on your face do the polite thing get on with your life. Thats all u can really do if u do the jerk kind of thing u may get in trouble or fired.

I'm with you but I'd just smile, sign the card and move on. You're not obligated to bring it up again after that. I could really care less when people around me have kids, but if they're happy then I congratulate them and move on.

As for the people attacking your character, grow up! Not everyone likes kids so get over yourselves and quit judging.

Write the word "Congrats!" on the cards and sign them.

I can empathize with your feelings, but honestly, signing a couple of cards is not going to kill you.

The efforts you make to be civil with your co-workers (and in ANY social setting) are far more profitable to you in the long run than what the effort "cost" you at the time.

I can understand that you don't like kids. I myself adore kids, but hey, if you don't that's fine too. What I can't understand is how irritated you are at someone else's happiness, and that you feel so put-upon just to give them a smile and a congratulations.

Sure, 12 year olds are getting pregnant these days. You're totally right on that point. But we're not talking about a 12 year old here. Why are you comparing their joy to a totally horrible situation? I think you need to do some SERIOUS self-examination here, if someone else's happiness bothers you so much. I'm not saying that to be mean either, unlike the tone of some of the other answers. Any self-improvement you make in this area will help YOU, and help you tremendously. I don't even know you, but any good that comes to you makes me happy too! (Which is the entire point here.)

I hear ya. I'm all babied out. Still, a new baby in the family is a big deal and a lot of people think women are all into it and maybe they didn't want to exclude you from anything. The office environment will change, it's just a big deal right now. You gotta hold your tongue, even if inside you're screaming "shut up already!"

Why would you say anything to them? If they show you pictures of the baby, you are kinda obligated to say "He is so cute!" and then let it go. Other than that, just be quiet.

They're happy, so don't rain on their parade.

Why is it so painful to congratulate people for having a baby? The owner you work for is a grandpa and it's just respectful to sign. Get over it.