Growing up, I always wanted a little brother or sister. Even now, at 25 years old, I'll have dreams that my mom miraculously becomes pregnant and I'm overly excited about the idea of having a little brother or sister. (It's usually a little baby boy in my dreams, wonder what that tells me?)
When I was born, my parents were overjoyed. I was a blonde hair, blue-eyed little girl. I loved to sleep and was a generally good kid until I reached my incredibly terrible twos. My mom has told me over and over that she wanted more children. She even considered adopting at one point, but it was not meant to be.
As I grew older, I began to notice common thought patterns and reactions of people learning that I was an only child, and my own reactions to these things.
1. When someone learns you're an only child:
Yes, I'm an only child. No, I was not lonely. No, I'm not an alien from another planet. I just don't have siblings.
2. "I guess you were enough to handle for your parents!" *Loud laughter*
WOW, so original! Yes, I was a toddler once and I was a handful. I'm sure your kids are a ray of sunshine too.
3. When you see brothers and sisters getting along and having fun:
"Awww, I wish I had a built-in friend like that. I love seeing that relationship."
4. When you see those same siblings having a war two seconds later:
"Nevermind. I'm good. I'm super good. Just dandy."
5. When you see those sister/brother relationship posts on Facebook.
"Share if you love your sister!" Um...I have friends that are like sisters, does that count? Can't relate.
6. When you have a huge issue sharing your space:
College was a wake-up call. This is MY side of the room, don't touch my stuff!
7. You got pretty much what you wanted at Christmas
No sharing your brand new Barbie Dream House with your sister. You have sole control over the video game and don't have to "take turns." Yes, this is perfect.
8. Your house seemed really quiet after visiting friends with siblings.
You left a house with kids filled with play-date excitement induced behavior and came home to your parents watching TV or cleaning the house. Where did all the noise go?
9. Your imagination is WILD
When all your friends were busy, you had to be resourceful. You had you and yourself to act out various scenarios. People usually looked to you for ideas because you always had them.
10. Your parents really REALLY pay attention to you.
Without another child distracting your parents from yourself, you had them constantly all up in your business. But at least you knew you had someone to help you out, whenever you needed it!
