I Have Middle Child Syndrome, But It's Not What You Think
Start writing a post
Relationships

I Have Middle Child Syndrome, But It's Not What You Think

Just a little love for all my middle kids out there.

98
I Have Middle Child Syndrome, But It's Not What You Think
Annika Soderfelt

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40895
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25473
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950998
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

133536
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments