Younger siblings are part of a very special pack. We have never known a world where we were an only child and we understand we will always be the butt of the jokes. In a way, we are our own unique breed separate from the other sibling hierarchy. We are the youngest and proud of it. Here are seven signs you grew up the youngest.
1. You know how to entertain yourself.
As shocking as this may be to some of us youngsters, the world doesn't revolve around us. Yes we are the babies of the bunch but we understand when our older siblings need something, they will usually come first. Whether this be going to sporting events, plays, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or whatever the occasion, you know you'll have to entertain yourself during these long hours while your siblings are out.
2. People tell you you're "mature" or have an "old soul".
Don't worry, at first it comes at a shock because you are the youngest and should be the one blowing snot bubbles or pulling practical pranks on the family. Take it as a compliment. You have mimicked your older siblibings behavior so much in public that even when you were five, you could act like your eight-year-old brother.
3. You can fall asleep anywhere.
Ground. Grandmas lumpy sofa. The stinky hotel room cot. These are all places you have called bed for the night and have slept like a baby. Being the smallest, you were expected to give up beds, sofa space, or any form of comfortable sleeping areas when on road trips or when family came out to visit. Your family has the philosophy of the last born gets the couch.
4. You wore a lot of hand-me-downs
Your wardrobe for the first 10 years of your life consisted of old, worn down clothes from your siblings. If you were lucky, you had an older sibling who was the same sex as you. Dresses, shirts, shorts, and nice dress up shoes flowed into your closet as your siblings received brand new wardrobes. If you didn't have the same sex sibling, well then you were stuck wearing a Boy Scouts top with ripped jeans to your first grade picture day.
5. You have so many mentors they are hard to keep track of.
Being the youngest, you aren't afraid to ask for help because you knew someone had the answer either because they had gone through it themselves or had some sort of experience with it. Dating, schooling, and marriage even. We seek out the advice from many in order to have the best possible response. We don't shy away from criticism and respect all views.
6. You learned from your siblings mistakes and success.
Yes, we should listen to what our parents have to say and yes, we should never say no to their advice, but the best way to learn is to observe. Luckily for you, your older sibling was the Guinea pig who took the blunt of the work. They paved the path for you to understand what to do in certain situations. Mom tells you to get a minor in business in college, listen. Dad tells you to clean the car before a date, listen.
7. You know you're secretly the favorite.
No proof, but you know it's absolutely true.
