I’m a middle child.
If I had a dollar for every time I heard “oh, you’re Aaron’s sister?” or “oh, you’re Alex’s sister?” I wouldn’t have to worry about paying for anything EVER again.
I don’t mean to be bitter, I loved growing up with brothers. It just sucks to have to kick and claw my way to the limelight sometimes. My older brother is smart, like 35 on the ACT smart, and my younger brother has Down Syndrome.
They’re both unique and talented, so I found myself trying to push to the front in any way I could. I played every sport in the book and I took up theatre because those were the two things I had that they didn’t. As I write this, I realize how bratty it sounds, but I promise, I don’t mean it that way.
A couple months ago, I found a picture of me from my first day in sixth grade, so I recreated it a couple days before graduation, and my amused mother posted it on her facebook. One of the comments ended up legitimately saying, “Wait... you have a middle child?”Whether it was said sarcastically or not, it really is the story of my life. I’ve only ever gone to school with my brothers, and it’s an onslaught of “wait, I LOVE Aaron” or “you’re nothing like Alex.” College is my first chance to branch out, and I’m really taking it in stride (I hope).
But it’s not all fighting for attention. There have definitely been some positives to me being a middle child. Whether I like it or not, certain personality traits have followed me into young adulthood. I’ve spent years talking twice as much in the hopes that something would be heard, so now I can strike up a conversation with anyone, and I’m not intimidated by public speaking.
I spent so many years playing peacemaker for my brothers that it now seems like a natural step to try and help keep peace among my friends. I’ve figured out how to do things on my own, which, in the long run, has helped me to grow exceedingly independent (almost to a fault at times).
This isn’t about me ranting or feeling like I haven’t gotten the attention, because I have. It’s just a friendly reminder out there to show a little love to the middle child in your life.