In a candid piece for Glamour, co-host of The View, Jessica Taylor, reflects on her unconventional life journey. Having married at 37 and now expecting her second child at 40, Taylor emphasizes that life rarely unfolds as we envision; it’s essential to recognize what we are unwilling to compromise on.
Despite societal and biological expectations, many women feel confined to a specific timeline for marriage and childbirth. Those who deviate from this norm often face intrusive questions and unwarranted assumptions about their decisions, which may not always be choices at all. Taylor, who is all too familiar with these pressures, explains that she prioritized personal growth over settling down too soon. “For me, it was never an option to settle,” she says, “My main goal has always been to evolve into the best version of myself.”
With over 15 years in the television industry, including stints on various shows before landing on The View alongside prominent figures, Taylor reflects on her past relationships. She recalls, “Looking back, I realize I chose partners who weren’t the best fit for me. I wasn’t the healthiest shopper in relationships.”
She shares, “I got married at 37 and am now having my second child at 40. People call me brave, but I say, ‘I’m not brave; I’m just older.’ At 28, a woman advised me not to wait to have kids. I thought, ‘Is this really a choice?’ This is just how my life has unfolded.”
Taylor highlights the frustration many women face when constantly asked about their marital and parental aspirations. “We place immense pressure on women regarding their reproductive choices,” she states. “Once you have the capability, people expect you to use it right away. But the inquiries can be exhausting, even if they stem from a place of care.”
As one of three sisters in her forties, Taylor appreciates the choices her siblings made. One sister has never desired children, and it would be a tragedy if societal pressure had forced her into motherhood. The other sister found her partner at 40, and it would have been equally unfortunate if she had rushed into marriage and parenthood. Both sisters chose to honor their own timelines, and Taylor admires their courage.
Life isn’t a fairy tale, and Taylor’s narrative, while not traditionally romantic, serves as a testament to creating happiness on one’s own terms. She met her husband through an online platform, and she doesn’t believe in the concept of “The One.” They attend therapy and acknowledge their mutual attraction to others. Taylor candidly admits that her early years of motherhood were challenging and marked by postpartum depression, but she insists that’s perfectly acceptable.
In fact, it’s more than acceptable; it’s genuine. Too often, women feel shamed into making choices that don’t align with their true desires, believing they are alone in their experiences. As Taylor wisely notes, “Despite the uncertainties and challenges, I genuinely love my life.”
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In summary, Jessica Taylor’s reflections challenge the expectations placed on women regarding marriage and motherhood. By sharing her personal experiences, she advocates for embracing individual timelines and recognizing that happiness comes from making choices that resonate with our true selves.