Being the youngest child is a blessing and a curse, and I think all of us younger siblings know that. Regardless of the age differences or home environment, younger siblings know these 10 things to be more than true.
Here are 10 ways you know you're the youngest sibling.
1. You are used to being compared.
Whether it's using your last name to your advantage or having to redefine your family name, you are used to people holding you to the standards or impressions your siblings left behind. This was the most challenging part of the younger sibling role but once you established your independence from them, you could finally be your own person.
2. You are independent.
Being left out or put last helped you gain a strong sense of identity and independence. You wanted to be like them but not be them, and this attitude has shaped you into a very self-motivating person as well.
3. You play well with others.
You always had a play partner as well as someone who had different ideas than you. You just had to deal with it, but in the end it benefited you greatly because you can work well with others, sometimes even the hardest people.
4. You learned how the world works by observing and learning from your siblings' mistakes.
Growing up, they made mistakes and hopefully you learned from them. Although you definitely made your own mistakes, you still took advantage of their stupidity, which helped you bring up the rear a little better.
5. You understand the power of words.
When you couldn't combat and overcome your older siblings physical teasing and abuse, you became confident and strong with your words. Sometimes this was even more powerful than anything they were doing to pick on you.
6. You were born into a side kick role.
Whether you were born to become the best wing man or woman, you embraced the role, and knew just what it entailed. This might honestly be the best part of being the younger sibling; you always had a friend.
7. You wished you were born first.
At one point, you wished you were the first born so that you could be #1 and have all the power. Getting called the "mistake" or the "baby" or the "favorite" got old after a while, and you wanted nothing more than to be able to pick on your siblings like they picked on you. But lets be real, you liked being the youngest, and you really can't picture it any other way.
8. You can spin a story like no other.
Whenever you and your siblings found yourselves in trouble, you were the one to spin a story once your siblings tried ratting you out. You had a clear advantage because let's face it, you weren't the mature one or the responsible one. Your parents have a higher standard for your older siblings because, well, they're older. You used this to your advantage and pulled the innocent card more times than you can count.
9. Someone always had your back.
Even if your siblings didn't sometimes, their friends did. You were their little sibling too. Regardless, you always had people who would stick up for you, defend you, and protect you.
10. You know you're the favorite.
Maybe you think this is the truth because your mom cried more at the milestone events in your life, even though you knew it was simply because you were the last one. Or maybe you think this because you could convince your parents to let you do things they never let your older siblings do. Either way, you're the favorite, and you know it.
In the end, I love being the youngest even though it can be hard sometimes. But I was blessed with an exceptional older sibling, and I would never wish for my life to be any other way!
