Melanie Notkin writes in the Washington Post Solo-ish column about why she prefers the term "childless" over "childfree."

I was only trying to make conversation, as one does at a party. But when I was introduced to a reality-show star, the conversation ended just as quickly as it began.

We started with the customary “Nice to meet you’s.” Since it was clear I knew who she was, she asked about me. I started off with what we have in common: “I’m an author, like you. … And I have a media company called Savvy Auntie designed primarily for childless women like us who love the children in their lives.”

In a lounge full of housewives and ex-husbands, pretty single ladies and prettier gay men, photographers and reporters, you could hear a pin drop.

“Childfree,” the reality star responded with an admonishing tone. “We say ‘childfree,’ ” emphasizing the last syllable as if I had broken some social code.

More at The Washington Post.