After all the wedding festivities this past weekend, I finally have a chance to reflect upon my experience. I was fortunate to see my brother and his wife, Antoinette, get married this past weekend. It was a beautiful wedding in more ways than one. Also this occasion afforded an opportunity to visit my siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, and aunts and uncles alike. I am fortunate to have both a small immediate family and a large extended family. I am the only child within my household but I have a several family members on both sides. My mom has four sisters and my dad was previously married with three kids. Then his wife was remarried with one kid. As you can imagine, those numbers tend to multiply over time. Despite not seeing my extended family too often, I am lucky that I still feel connected to them. They always treat me as one of their own and I am able to just sort of pick up where we left off. Even though we are familiar with each other, there are a few "only child" tendencies that I just cannot quite reconcile. These are a few oddities that I picked up from temporarily being apart of the sibling train.

1. When you compliment one sister, you have to compliment the other sister.

Word to the wise: if you compliment a sister's nail polish and not the other's you have a little bit of an awkward situation on your hands. Usually, I thought people said what they think to make someone feel unique and special. However, you get a pass if you don't have siblings.

2. If you go to the bathroom at a restaurant, your butter and jelly will be taken from you.

Yes. This did happen. I guess I didn't call it as mine so no hard feelings. I am just used to having my own stuff is all.

3. If you are sitting by yourself, your sibling will ask if you are having fun.

Being an introvert and an only child is kind of a combination for people to feel sorry for you. I promise, I'm having fun. I just need to soak it all in and take sometime to myself.

4. Planning anything... takes a little more thought process.

Who knew that ordering food could be such a undertaking? Usually it's one pizza and we can eat for 2-3 days. Nope. We need pizza for the kids. Wings for the adults. Mix up the flavors in case someone does not like something. Ok. Thanks.

5. Pouring sand is a pretty interesting tradition.

I had never heard of pouring sand at a wedding. It represents combining of families. How cool is that?! It is so symbolic.

6. Someone might have the same name as you.

That's ok. You are kind, smart and important. You just get a special sister and a middle name to differentiate you.

7. There's the quiet ones, the loud ones, the grumpy ones, and the nonchalant ones.

Enough said.

8. The world is smaller than you think.

Can you say, networking opportunities? You never know when you might meet a face that will change your career.