It's no secret that growing up with or without siblings will effect you. As an only child, I've always wondered how different I would be if I grew up with a brother or sister. Would I be more outgoing? Would I be more argumentative? Would I be more compassionate? There's so many things that shape who you are and I believe your family is the true foundation of your personality.

I had a great childhood and for some parts of it I attribute it to the fact that I have no siblings. I've traveled so much and been on so many family vacations. With an extra person or two these trips wouldn't have been possible just due to cost. For obvious reasons it's easier for parents to afford things when you only have one other mouth to feed or clothe. My family was in no way wealthy but my parents always found a way to give me everything I ever wanted or needed and for many kids this is not the case, so for that I will be forever thankful. One of the biggest stereotypes about only children is that we're spoiled. Yes, some of us may get the things we want but that doesn't mean we don't understand money and working for what we want.

On the other hand, while I had so many other experiences, there's a lot of every day things that I missed out on. Many people may find it silly but often I wish that I had someone to argue with. I would listen to my friends complain that their brother was totally disgusting or their little sister was completely annoying, and I couldn't help but feel envious. Granted, I probably avoided a lot of headaches but often I was just alone. I've always been close with my parents but from what I've seen there's just a special relationship between siblings that you can't replicate. While my parents were busy or working I would have to play alone until they were available again. Whenever I would do something bad there was no one who I could share the punishment with or try to push blame. And whenever I did screw up, there is nothing worse than having to deal with the spotlight only on me. I'd imagine many siblings try to deflect some of that attention on the other when things get rough.

I've also been one to socialize more with adults. I never minded sitting with "grown-ups" and making small talk because there wasn't many kids to play with. I guess it also didn't help that all my cousins are also much older or much younger than I am. It always seemed funny to me when people would complain about going to dinner with adults because for me that was just the norm. I never had a babysitter growing up, my parents would just bring me with them to join in with their friends. As I'm getting older I've found this to be helpful in that I don't mind making small talk with professors or other adults.

While there are a lot of things that make me wish I had a sibling, the one thing I am so thankful for about being an only child is the relationship I have with my parents. Since I never had to share their attention, we've always been very close. I was a Daddy's girl growing up and now I consider my mom my best friend. If I had to guess, with a brother or sister in the picture, this may not remain completely true. I'm sure I would still have a good relationship with them, but there's no guarantee that it would be the same. My family will also be different in that I will not have nieces or nephews unless I marry someone with them. My children will be my parent's only grandchildren. Our entire family dynamic would be different, but I am content knowing that I came away with such a great family situation.

I've thought a lot about my future and whether when I decide to have kids if I would want one, a couple, or a lot of kids. Personally, I know I would want my own kids to have siblings growing up, knowing the things I know I feel like I missed out on. I also know that regardless of the number of kids I do have, I will try my absolute hardest to give each of them equal and unconditional love and attention, the same I experienced growing up. While being an only child is a bit bittersweet, I wouldn't change my family for anything in the world.