As an only child, I can honestly say that siblings' interactions are weird. You guys are screaming at each other one minute, and the next laughing like all is forgiven. Siblings do some pretty strange things that are foreign to only children. Upon visiting some friends' houses and hearing from what siblings say, I’ve composed a list of things that are unique to siblings that only children will never experience.
1. Stealing, No... Borrowing Each Other’s Clothes
Apparently it’s a common thing for siblings to borrow clothes, without permission. An only child doesn’t have anyone else to steal from. Unless they really want to raid their mom or father's closet, which I doubt unless they’re some fashionista, only children are left with what they have.
2. Sibling vs. Sibling
The good ol' fashioned sibling rivalry. This is the typical sibling fighting over the last piece of pizza, who’s the favorite child, or in general doing anything better than their sibling. I can’t remember how many times I’ve witnessed the epic battle for calling “shotgun” on a road trip and the race to the front seat. Only children will always get the front seat or the entire backseat. Because of well, a lack of siblings.
3. Fighting Over Chores
When siblings fight over whose turn it is to do the laundry or wash dishes, it makes no sense. Be happy chores get split between siblings. Only children get to do all the chores, every week. So we’re like cleaning pros… not that we like it anymore though.
4. "Can you drive me?"
If you’re the older sibling you probably ended up driving the younger one around until they get their license. Both siblings might feel a bit annoyed being the chauffeur or embarrassed to be driven around by a sibling. But I can guarantee it’s better than the only option an only child has, their parents.
5. "I’m Telling Mom!"
Countless times siblings tell on the other to get them in trouble. Often this action is reciprocated by blaming the other later for things that they didn’t do. Siblings know this too well; “I didn’t do it, he started it, it was her fault,” etc. It’s really hard to blame someone else as an only child. Trust me, it doesn’t work to blame the dog for drawing on the walls.
6. Secrets
Among siblings there is no such thing as a secret. It seems like it can be exposed at any time and used as blackmail. Only children never have to worry about their secrets being exposed, so snitch as many cookies as you want!
7. Best Friend
The biggest thing only children won’t understand is the relationship built between siblings. You fight and laugh and will always be there for each other no matter what. Unless it’s a competition... then it’s back to the sibling rivalry again.
Siblings seem to have this unusual bond that only children do not seem to understand. But don't get me wrong, we love having the run of the house. And what might seem weird to only children but normal to siblings is what makes families so special. Best friends are formed out of those our age, or even our parents. In the end, as an only child we enjoy it and have just as many strange quirks that siblings have.
