1. Your parents were very supportive…
Being an only child means your parents were at every game, performance, conference, everything. You are their only pride and joy, and they want to take every opportunity to be there to support you.
2. But also very strict.
Being their only pride and joy makes them a little (or a lot) cautious. No late nights, no attitude, no reckless behavior. There were rules and you damn well knew you better follow them. While it definitely got annoying, you knew your parents loved you more than anything in the world and just wanted to see you happy and safe.
3. You get all the praise and all the blame.
Being the only kid in the family means you are constantly being watched 24/7. This is both a blessing and a curse. You do something right? Your parents will definitely take notice and praise you for being the perfect child. You do something wrong? Yep, they for sure will notice that, too. And you won’t be able to push the blame onto your sibling; it’s all on you.
4. People always assume you are spoiled.
This is one stereotype that drives all only children crazy. Just because we didn’t grow up with siblings doesn’t mean our parents shower us with gifts left and right. Personally, my parents taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Yes, they gave me many of the things I needed to be successful, but they never handed me luxuries. I had to do my own work to earn the things I wanted, and it’s insulting that you assume, because of my family situation, I’m a spoiled brat.
5. You often get sad that you won’t be a biological aunt or uncle.
This has to be one of the major downsides of being the only kid. You’ll never get that moment when you hold your new niece/nephew for the first time and feel that special bond. You can still marry into aunt or uncle-hood but it will never quite be the same. *Sigh.*
6. People are always asking questions.
Look, I know my lifestyle is sooo different than yours (not really), but I don’t need to be bombarded with your questions. No, I don’t think it’s weird not having siblings; obviously, I’m used to it. No, I don’t know why my parents didn’t have other kids, and why does it even matter? My family and I are happy just the way we are.
7. You’ve always had the best imagination.
Not having any siblings can get a little boring, especially as a young child. But we always managed. We learned to keep ourselves occupied by coming up with creative ways to have some fun. This talent also comes in handy quite a bit later in life.
8. You’re not good with confrontation.
Since we were the only kid in the home, we rarely had to share with kids the same age. This means we never had those childhood tantrums that come along with sharing with a sibling. We never learned how to deal with those constant fights, so when arguments occur now, we don’t quite know how to react. But hey, it’s better to be a lover rather than fighter, anyway.
9. You love attention.
Growing up, we never had to fight for attention. In fact, we probably received a little too much. We are so used to being in the spotlight at home that, in the real world, it’s hard to give it up.
10. You wouldn’t change it for the world.
Sure, life with siblings would be cool, but I’m happy with the life I have been given. It’s made me the way I am today, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
