DINK couple share benefits of relationship despite facing criticism

When you hear the word DINK, your mind might immediately go to something small - but no, it's not a spin off of the word 'dinky' - it's a relationship term.

I know it's hard to keep up, but this is nothing major or groundbreaking.

In fact, chances are you're in a DINK relationship yourself - or you were once upon a time.

DINK is a term that meets the many dating buzz words out there, chances are you've heard of people going 'boy sober' or getting 'the ick'.

So, without further ado - let's get to grips with another one.

What does DINK mean?

Quite simply, DINK is an acronym for ‘Dual Income, No Kids’.

So, if you're cohabiting with your partner, you're both in employment, and you're childless, that means you're part of the DINK relationship community.

Whether or not you'll start using the term is another matter entirely.

Whether or not you choose to have children is your own choice.

Perhaps it's something you want in the future, or you're just not feeling it - either way, if you're in a couple, it's likely you've been faced with relentless questions about the possibility of extending your family unit.

Some DINK couples rebel against that by being loud and proud about having no kids.

Being in a DINK means you can enjoy your freedom. (Getty Stock Image)

The controversy...

Psychology professor at Michigan State University, Zachary P. Neal, studies child-free adults.

He shared with The Wall Street Journal: "[Being child-free] has been for a very long time a sort of stigmatised category."

He continued: "There are all sorts of stereotypes - they’re self-absorbed, they have no stake in the future, and they’re too focused on their career.”

So proudly proclaiming your DINK lifestyle is a surefire way to draw attention to the benefits of not having children yet - or perhaps not at all.

The perks of DINK relationships

The internet is a goldmine of information, especially when it comes to relationship set ups.

30-somethings Brenton and Mirlanda Beaufils, told Kanebridge News about how thoroughly they enjoy their dynamic as they 'go where the wind blows.’

Norelle, a professional photographer, added that being child-free has allowed her to take better care of her mother.

One DINK couple have travelled the world with their dual income. (Getty Stock Image)

She has been able to gift her mum with a new washer and dryer, house floors, and a Toyota RAV4 - very well-deserved, as her mum raised her as a single parent.

Natalie Fischer, a content creator, said: "Being DINKs means we just have a lot of freedom, time and money."

Married couple Natalie and Keldon both rake in six-figures annually, and hav e taken full advantage by travelling all over the world and making stops in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Finland and others.

So now that you know all about DINK, what about the rest?

Introducing DINKWAD - and others

In a DINK relationship 'with a dog'? Congrats, you’re a DINKWAD couple.

Or maybe you’re a SINK - single income, no kids. Slay. Oh wait, you could also be a DINKY - dual income, no kids yet.

Reckon it'll catch on?