Telling people that I am an only child they automatically assume that I am a rich, spoiled, self-centered, child. Let me tell you that doesn’t apply to me what so ever. I don’t have “Only Child Syndrome” like most only children probably do. For those of you who don’t know, “Only Child Syndrome” is a 'label' given to people who do not have any siblings, or who were raised without any siblings. Some of the characteristics are being selfish, an inability to share, and having a hard time making friends. Not one of these attributes apply to me.
I will admit that because I am shy, it was a struggle making friends. But the more that I was involved, the more that I made friends. When I got to college, rushed into a great sorority, I was able to come out of my shell more. I will also admit that I had imaginary friends and that sometimes I talk to myself. But, it was a matter if people were going to like me or not. That was the biggest fear I had trying to make friends. In high school, I almost never had a class with a friend of mine. So I made it a mission of mine to make myself invisible from everyone else. So that’s why it was difficult for me to make friends. I’m not rich. After my father passed away, I remember my mom always working and we had to live paycheck to paycheck. By the time I was a junior in high school my mom was (and still kind of is) working two jobs. It was a struggle for the both of us.
I’m not spoiled. I work for my things. I don’t ask for anything! In fact, it makes me very uncomfortable asking my mom for anything. Money, new phone, clothes, or anything. It’s got nothing to do with her working two jobs, but I have always been uncomfortable asking for things. Unless it was food for the house, I have never asked for things. Especially money. Every time that my mom said I could get something, like a new phone or being able to study in another country, I always ask if it’s okay. That it won’t cost too much.
I don’t know it “Only Child Syndrome” is a real thing or not, but not all of the symptoms apply to me. I honestly can say that I lived a good life as an only child and I am glad that I don’t have any siblings.
