I am a middle child. I am stuck between two brothers, and I suffer from middle child syndrome. This is not a call for pity but an attempt to make people aware of MCS. It is not a made-up thing that middle children have made-up because they want more attention. It is real. Here are some general feelings most middle children have dealt with while growing up.

1. Being left out.

Older sibling and younger sibling liked the same things, so they would play together growing up, but they would never invite you.

2. Being forgotten.

My mom forgot me at school once. It was the most traumatizing experience. She felt equally as bad, but it still happened.

3. Being different.

You are not like your other siblings, and this makes you sad but also happy.

4. Not being the favorite.

Your mom and dad like to lie by saying they don't pick favorites, but you see right through this lie. There may not be a clear favorite in the family, but it is very clear who is not the favorite.

5. Being stuck.

Being stuck in the middle seat on car rides or planes is normal. You can't move until someone else moves.

6. Being average.

This is the worst thing about MCS. Your older sibling is great at something. Your younger sibling is great at something. You are great at being average.

While there are some down sides to being the middle child, there are major upsides, as well.

1. Your family making up for the above.

Your family often felt bad for leaving you out or forgetting you, so when they remembered you, they often made up for it tenfold. One of my friend's mom calls her the "center child" because she feels bad.

2. Being in the middle of pictures.

This is just a given and extra perk of being the middle child. Especially if your siblings are a different gender than you.

3. Getting away with a lot.

Your parents were more focused on your older sibling or younger sibling, so they would just look over your mistakes or not even notice them.

4. You have your own day.

August 12 is our day. No one celebrates this holiday, but it is a real thing just like MCS.

5. You are independent.

Because you are different and often left out, you became independent.

6. You have a role model, and you are a role model.

You get to look up to your older sibling and learn from his or her mistakes, but you also get to set the example for your younger sibling.