Twenty-two years ago, I graced my parents with my birth as their first and only child. Growing up without siblings is a unique experience, at least that's what I learned as I got older and realized how different my childhood was. There are plenty of things that I don't understand about the lives of people with siblings, and plenty of things they don't understand about mine. Here are a few things you will understand if you grew up as an only child:
1. You probably asked for siblings non-stop for at least one year of your life
"Pleaaaase mom, can I have a sister?" As a little kid, being alone got pretty boring at times. Especially when you got a new game or toy that required more than one person.
2. Your childhood pet was your best friend
You loved that dog (or cat, or whatever) more than anything. You dressed him or her up, pretended they were a guest at your tea party, or made them your arch-rival in a light saber battle. Losing a pet like this cuts just as deep as losing an actual sibling.
3. You are probably a little spoiled
You'll deny it until your blue in the face, but facts are facts. Some only children may not be spoiled with possessions, but when there is only one child to take care of, you're bound to get more attention from your family. Especially from grandparents if you are also the only (or one of few) grandchildren, like me.
4. Your parents are kind of obsessed with you
Going along with spoiling, you are used to your parents being seen as "over protective." Whether they check in every half hour or demand to know the complete life story of every person you come in contact with, it can be annoying in the teen years. Friends see it as being overbearing, but really your parents only have one chance to screw it up with you so they're not taking any chances.
5. Along with that, you are probably unusually close with your parents
You probably heard all their stories a million times, during all those road trips when it was just the three of you. And they know you better than you know you, as a result of the "overbearing" aspect of your relationship. As you become an adult, this is a huge blessing. I would personally rather spend all day with my parents than anyone else.
6. You feel really awkward (or really excited) when your friends fight with their brother or sister
I was never really sure if I should intervene or grab a bucket of popcorn. I mean, they look like they're really hurting each other. Am I supposed to do something or should I just watch? Should I go get an adult?
7. You are (at least a little bit) introverted
After a long day with your friends who had loud siblings, nothing was better than coming home to your room where you could just be alone. As an adult, the sentiment is pretty much the same. You find yourself exhausted by people sometimes.
8. Your first roommate experience was...interesting
Not bad...just a learning experience. You have to learn to share, understand that some people like the room warmer than you do and aren't okay sleeping with the TV on.
9. You're really uncomfortable with kids
How do I talk to a 4-year-old? How do I hold a new baby? These are things I have not been adequately prepared for, as I spent 99 percent of my time talking to my parents and their friends.
10. You are used to being asked, "Don't you wish you had siblings?!"
Of course, if I had siblings it would be great, but I wasn't part of that decision-making process. Not only that, I wouldn't change one single thing about my upbringing, I have had so many opportunities that I wouldn't have if there were more kids in the picture.
