I've just started in a new position at work and now have a new group of people to work with and get to know. I've been dreading that question 'Do you have any children'?

I feel rude just saying 'No' but I also don't want to give any more of a response as I don't want to have to go down the 'we're trying', 'we're thinking about it' etc conversation.

I understand this can be a common question when you are getting to know people, especially in a female dominated work area where there are women with young ones. Knowing how I feel to be asked this I make it a rule 'not to impose' unless they begin talking about their children.

How do others cope with this? Should I just say 'no' and move on? I just don't want to discourage people getting to know me but at the same time don't want to go down this very personal path with people I hardly know iykwim. I was just madly hoping today when there were people in the office talking about children they would not ask this question of me.