If you grew up in a big family, you understand the baggage that comes with it. You understand the level of chaos that comes along with the word family, and it never fails to bring a smile to your face. You are one of the lucky ones who gets the unique experience of living with a crowd. Even though they drive you crazy and can be both annoying and embarrassing, you wouldn't trade the experience for the world. You learned more from them than you realize, and you will forever be a better person because of them.
1. You learn how to accommodate.
In a big family, you never get your way. Ever. Even when you thought you were getting your way, you still had to change things to meet everyone's needs, wants, and schedules. Learning from an early age that you were going to have to be flexible and make changes at any given second helped you more in your adult life than you realized.
2. You always have friends.
When you're raised surrounded by siblings and cousins, you start life with best friends. You come from the same background as your relatives, so you are automatically closer, and they understand you on a deeper level than your non-biological friends. These close relationships will last you a lifetime.
3. You value family time.
When you have a big family, there's a good chance that you all don't live in close proximity of each other. That makes family gatherings more special. You never dread having to go to a Christmas party, because that just gives you a chance to catch up. And someone always makes an appearance via FaceTime or Skype.
4. You value your family's opinions most.
Who knows you better than your family? They are the people who have known you for the longest and have your best interest in mind, so of course you are going to take what they have to say to heart.
5. Inside jokes can last a lifetime.
Especially if they're embarrassing.
6. You have to be loud to get attention.
In a room with 25 people, it is very easy to be overlooked. Being quiet is not an option if you want to be noticed. You have to learn to be loud, both in voice and in actions.
7. You can't be shy.
You're not afraid to directly ask for what you want. In life, nothing was ever given to you, so you're not afraid to go for things on your own. Not much holds you back.
8. You're not afraid to call someone out.
Family can be the most honest people that you know, for the better or the worse. They were the first people to blatantly share their opinions about you, and you learned to give it right back.
9. You know how to manage crazy people.
On more than one occasion, you have thought to yourself, "Wow, I am the most normal person here." You have to quickly think about the best way to deal with whatever situation is arising. This it an important skill that will carry over into your professional relationships.
10. You learned to accept how crazy you actually are.
You know that in reality, you aren't as normal as you'd like to believe. You will always be just a little bit weird and you can blame that on your big, crazy, twisted, messed up family.
11. You always feel like you belong.
You always know that there are people out there who are just like you, and you will never walk through your life alone.
