I hear it all the time, "you're so mature for your age, you must be an only child." Yes, it's true, I am. And yes, I suppose that may have caused me to grow up a bit quicker than others. As an only child, my days weren't spent fighting with siblings, trying to get my older sister in trouble, or bribing my little brother to do my chores for me. My childhood was quite different than that, actually.

Here are nine things only children will understand about growing up:

1. You quickly realized you were the center of your parents' universe.

There were no such things as "be home before dark," or "your brother is in charge while we're gone." If your parents let you out of their sight, there was a babysitter, and it was a pretty big deal because every other waking moment of their day was spent worrying about you. There's nothing else to divert their attention, so every little detail of your life becomes their top priority... for better or worse.

2. You became really good at talking to adults.

When I was younger, I didn't have siblings to distract me at family events. I was either by myself or mingling with grown-ups. Obviously, I chose to befriend the older generations. Though it might have seemed odd at the time, my ability to effortlessly hold a conversation with someone over twice my age without feeling nervous or like I'm "showing my age" serves me well today.

3. Family Vacations were either awesome or boring.

You either got to bring a friend, which made you not only the coolest friend but also the happiest traveler, or you spent a week watching your parents read on the beach and missed out on every fun opportunity while on vacation. There was no in-between when I was younger, but now, a family trip with just me and my parents sounds like a blast!

4. People assumed you were spoiled.

I can't count the number of times someone has said to me, "oh, you're an only child? How spoiled are you?" As if having no siblings meant my parents automatically gave me everything I ever wanted. Which, for some people, it did; but most only children I know weren't bratty and hyper-privileged.

5. You got super close with any cousins remotely close in age to you.

After all, it was the only chance you had at finally getting to stop talking to the adults all the time. Maybe they were 10 years older, or four years younger, but you would do anything to talk to someone who you related to even in the slightest. *Shoutout to Maggie for being the other only child in the family while helping me get through every family reunion*.

6. When you finally started to grow up and let loose, there was no holding you back.

You may have spent most of your time with your parents as a child, but now that you're older, there's nothing stopping you from finding your inner wild child. Because, as you know, there weren't a lot of opportunities to sneak out under the ever-constant watch of your protective parents.

7. You went into high school without the reputation of your older siblings riding on your shoulders.

Sure, you might not have known anyone, and the teachers barely remembered your name, but at least you didn't have to prove you weren't the troublemaker your siblings were who went to the school years before you did.

8. Meeting your significant other's siblings for the first time was SO SCARY.

You never had to take care of a little brother, change a diaper, or worry about cancelling your weekend plans to stay home and babysit for your parents. The first time I met my boyfriend's siblings, I didn't know what to do. They weren't that young, but I hadn't spent much time around kids. We're all close now, but it was beyond awkward sticking out a formal handshake to 10-year-olds.

9. Overall, you wouldn't trade it for anything.

Divided chores, changing diapers, babysitting for parents, and always having to let your younger siblings tag along on your plans? No thank you! I'll take my quiet, three-family-members-plus-dog childhood over sharing my space with siblings any day. Though it may have been lonely at times, you are who you are because of it; and I wouldn't give up the relationship I have with my parents for anything.

Next time someone assumes you were given a brand new Audi, just because you're an only child (okay, maybe you were, in which case, good on you!), remember all the other great things that came along with growing up solo. You're your own person, aren't influenced by older siblings, and don't have to worry about setting a good example for your little sister!