Let’s talk about Meghan Markle’s “cringe” Disneyland pregnancy dance—and why, honestly, it made me feel seen.
I know, I know. The internet is on fire again. This week, Meghan Markle shared sweet family snaps from their Disneyland trip, and instead of warm fuzzies, the comment section flooded with eyerolls and hashtags like #Cringe. (If you somehow missed it, here’s the original article making the rounds on Bored Panda.)
Let’s cut through the noise for a second. Why is a mom, dancing goofily with her kids at the Happiest Place on Earth, causing such an uproar? Why are so many people—especially those of us walking the sometimes-bumpy road towards parenthood—feeling a secret pang watching those photos?
Behind the “Cringe”: What Family Joy Looks Like for the Rest of Us
When you’re trying to conceive, even the most innocent family moments online hit differently. Whether you’re single, partnered, LGBTQ+, or somewhere in between, scrolling past beaming baby bumps and #familygoals can trigger all kinds of feelings—jealousy, hope, maybe even a little grief.
Meghan’s dance isn’t just a meme; for so many of us, it’s a reminder of what we’re yearning for. But why does seeing someone else’s unfiltered joy sting sometimes?
It’s raw: Social media is a highlight reel. Real-life conception stories aren’t usually filtered or choreographed. They’re messy, personal, sometimes heartbreaking, and sometimes absurdly funny.
It’s vulnerable: Dancing in public—pregnant, no less!—is the definition of “putting yourself out there.” Anyone trying to conceive knows what it’s like to feel seen, scrutinized, or judged.
It sparks hope (and fear): These moments shine a spotlight on what you want most, but aren’t sure you’ll ever have.
The Unseen Side of the Journey: What You Don’t See at Disneyland
Let’s pause on the Disneyland fantasy for a sec. Most of us aren’t skipping through the park in a carefree twirl. We’re pinning ovulation charts. We’re reading endless reviews of at-home insemination kits (yes, there really are options for home insemination now!). We’re managing appointments, injections, tests, and sometimes, heartbreak.
If you’ve ever ducked into a public restroom to check a pregnancy app or quietly cried at a baby shower, you’re not alone. For every viral Disney moment, there are hundreds of private, unseen moments where hope and doubt collide.
But here’s the comforting part: your journey is just as valid, whether it’s picture-perfect or not.
Real Talk: Changing How We Share Our Stories
Watching Meghan’s dance, I remembered the first time I pictured myself at Disneyland with a stroller (spoiler: I didn’t have a partner or a plan at the time). My family-building dreams didn’t fit the “traditional” script, but I found connection, radical honesty, and empowerment in online spaces just like this one.
And honestly, if there’s one thing the 2020s have taught us, it’s that there’s no single “right” way to become a parent. Whether it’s through IVF, surrogacy, adoption, or using a simple, science-backed insemination kit to try at home, every story is unique. (If you’re curious about how people are making home insemination more accessible, the resources at MakeAMom’s website are worth a peek—they break down options for all sorts of family structures, sensitivities, and needs.)
What If We Cheered for Every Dance?
Maybe the real reason Meghan’s dance got under people’s skin is this: seeing someone celebrate what we’re still hoping for feels unfair. But what if we turned that energy around? What if, instead of cringing, we started rooting for each other—no matter where we are on the journey?
Here’s the truth: - That friend who dares to post another bump pic after years of trying—cheer for them. - The couple quietly opening their first insemination kit at home—cheer for them, too. - Your own victories, no matter how small or weird (first negative test that didn’t break you, scoring a plain-shipped fertility gadget)—definitely cheer for you.
The Bottom Line: Your Joy Is Never “Cringe”
So yes, Meghan Markle’s family dance at Disneyland might make some people squirm. But for those of us navigating the wild, beautiful, sometimes ridiculous road to parenthood, maybe it’s time to claim (or at least imagine) our own viral joy—whatever that looks like.
Because if we’re honest, we’ve all had moments that would look “cringe” online. But those are the moments that make the journey worth sharing.
Have you ever felt triggered, inspired, or just plain emotional seeing someone else’s family moments online while you’re trying to build your own? Share your story below—let’s cheer for each other, one “cringe” dance at a time.