At 53, Nadiya Bekar openly admits she “forgot” to have children, only realizing it was too late after years focused on her career and social life. Living in central London, Nadiya attributes her childlessness to a combination of a busy lifestyle filled with partying, work commitments, and a series of unfulfilling relationships.
Recalling her younger years, she says, “In my 20s and 30s, I was working hard, partying hard – we were all like that. I was meeting interesting, like-minded people, and there was simply no time to think about kids.” Additionally, Nadiya struggled to find a partner she trusted enough to start a family with, noting that many of her exes were not family-oriented.
“I’m not a man-hater; I take responsibility too. Maybe I made questionable choices or didn’t prioritize motherhood. I just didn’t feel maternal,” she explains. For Nadiya, her focus on building her business and paying off her mortgage took precedence over family planning.
READ MORE: Inside a Tatty Former Factory Renting for £6,000 a Month with Stunning Hidden Interiors
READ MORE: DWP Warns: 35-Hour Rule May Affect Carer’s Allowance Eligibility
The realization hit hard as her parents aged and siblings moved away. Christmas, in particular, becomes a poignant reminder of her loneliness without a family of her own. “Even though I get invited to Christmas gatherings, I don’t have that family base at home.”
Nadiya’s candid video post on Instagram and TikTok sparked an outpouring of support from women with similar experiences. She believes many women her age—the “girl boss” generation—have faced the challenge of balancing career ambitions with societal expectations around family.
“The women who fully embraced motherhood went for it; those who didn’t made different choices. I’m proud of my achievements and the path I’ve taken,” Nadiya reflects. Statistical trends support this shift: employment among women aged 25 to 54 rose significantly from 57% in 1975 to 78% in 2017, with fewer opting for marriage and traditional family life.
Although she sometimes longs for a family during holidays, Nadiya cherishes her independence and the company of her beloved sausage dog, Chilli, her “fur baby.” She is not considering becoming a single mother or adopting, aware that no child can fill the emotional gap left by a family unit.
“People think I don’t like children, but I love them. I just don’t have maternal instincts—except for my dog,” she laughs.
Nadiya’s story resonates deeply, shedding light on the nuanced emotions experienced by many women navigating modern life choices and the bittersweet reality of missing out on motherhood.