4 Realities Of Being An Only Child | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

4 Realities Of Being An Only Child

Yes, we were spoiled.

45
4 Realities Of Being An Only Child
Dailymom

If you're anything like me, you grew up without siblings to fight with, and hand-me-downs to wear. While all of your friends complained about their favorite sweater (or video game) going missing, you were secretly happy your Mom&Dad stopped at you. You were so "precious" that your parents decided they didn't want any more kids. Or maybe you were awful (just kidding) and you parents didn't want to experience the horrors of a new child again. Either way, growing up an only child was a complicated and downright interesting thing to deal with. The misconceptions people had were endless. And probably true depending on the situation. You were most likely also stereotyped as having "Only Child syndrome", where you think the world revolves around you because your parents taught you that as a kid. Once again, most likely true.

1.) "Were you ever told no when you asked for something?"

The answer here is most likely no. pun intended. We actually were more spoiled than you. Sorry to bust your bubble, but not having siblings lead to our parents having extra money for us. We relished in extra money for food and school supplies. The perks were endless, until we grew up and realized that we actually had to make our own money eventually. However from time to time, we like to relive our childhood and ask our parents something crazy such as "Mom, can I borrow $50 for that new pair of boots?" just to see the obvious answer.



2.) "Did being an only child hinder your social skills?"

Once again, no. Contrary to popular belief, we probably had/have better social skills than you. We grew up going to "boring" parties being forced to socialize with adults more than other kids our age. Us only children were experts at making adults like us. Actually we didn't have to, because we were so damn cute. We most likely also get along with those older than us, leading to our maturity level being higher. (see below) We also were never deprived of attention as children, because our parents didn't have to share their love for us with siblings. So the idea that only children are used to being the center of attention, you got that right. (see Only Child syndrome)



3.) "Who taught you basic social cues aside from your parents?"

Our parents were our best friends. However, we were also forced to grow up faster. There was no one around to teach us how to coordinate an outfit or how to approach that guy. We had to learn many things ourselves, such as how to cook an egg and mop the kitchen floor. This may be the reason that our maturity level is probably higher than people who grew up with siblings all around. We learned to be independent at a young age, from dressing ourselves to reaching that top shelf for food on our own. This may lead to issues when dating an only child, as trying to help them with something will only lead to you being pushed away. We can do things ourselves.


4.) "Was it lonely/Did you get bored?"

The answer here is yes. When our parents were gone for the evening(assuming we were old enough to not have a babysitter), or after school, we didn't have siblings to fight with or do random outings with. We mainly had to rely on ourselves for entertainment. This is why only children are generally more creative and have the ability to think of fun activities on the spot. We were forced to sit by ourselves for hours on some days. Imagine what all that could lead to. The ideas are endless.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

134062
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

31401
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28755
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments