Growing up as an only child definitely has it's ups and downs, and people tend to focus on the downs. From someone having "Only Child Syndrome" meaning they act incredibly spoiled and selfish, to someone seeming to be socially inept, being an only child can carry a wave of negative connotations. Regardless of how others view only children, I feel incredibly blessed to be one. Here are eleven reasons why being an only child is the best.

1. I will always be the favorite child.

2. I’ll never be afraid of independence or being alone because of the amount of times I've had to rely on myself.

3. I’ve become (relatively) responsible because there’s never been anyone to place the blame on.

4. I never had to share clothes, toys, or a room growing up, which sounds like an absolute nightmare.

5. I was able to dabble in every hobby of my dreams from horseback riding to competitive clogging (sorry mom).

6. My parents had no one to compare me to, so the standards I had to live up to were the ones I set for myself.

7. I had all of the alone time I wanted. Though I love being around people, I have always needed time to myself to recharge and being an only child made that so much easier.

8. My best friend has become more of a sister than a friend. Being together for fourteen years, just a house apart, has let us have this amazing bond thats like a sisterhood but better (it’s better because we aren’t together in the same house 24/7).

9. I genuinely feel like I can trust my parents. I have so many friends that feel like they could never go to their parents if they truly needed them which is so foreign to me. My parents and I aren't always on the same page about everything but I know I can go to them about anything without judgement.

10. I always felt supported. Throughout all of my many (regretful) phases, my parents never stopped supporting me in who I was and what I wanted to do.

11. My parents constant encouragement has allowed me to develop an incredible sense of self and self confidence which will further allow me to grow and blossom into a better person as time progresses.