As an only child, we are assumed to be the spoiled-rotten, self-conceited brats of this world. Revealing to someone that you are an only child will undoubtedly result in one of two possible reactions:

1. "Really? You don't seem like an only child."

OR, even worse...

2. "Oh, that makes sense."

Both of which are completely offensive. Coming from a family of three (well, five if you count the dogs) brings about many stereotypes. Of course there are pros and cons to any situation, but I do not need people feeling sorry for me because I have experienced a life without siblings. I have often thought about what it would be like to have a brother or a sister, but still, I am completely happy with the way I was raised.

As an only child, I truly appreciate all that I have. There is a difference between being spoiled and being privileged. I will forever be grateful for all that my parents have been able to provide for me. Yes, I may have never shared a room or had to wait for the shower while growing up, but that should not doom me for the rest of my life. I have learned to appreciate and have found the importance in personal space. I am not dependent on others and this does not make me lonely. (And no, I never had any imaginary friends.) Just because I put myself first does not make me selfish. I was taught that I am ultimately the only one looking out for myself and my parents would be ashamed if someone thought I had everything just handed to me.

Being an only child has brought me very close to my parents. Without siblings, I look to my parents as role models. They have shaped me into the person I am today. I can count on them for both support and the occasional constructive criticism. Since I am close to my parents, I have grown up being comfortable around adults. Some may think this causes us only children to end up growing up too fast. However, I do not think that my childhood was cut short in any way, but I can definitely say that I picked up a few life lessons in maturity along the way.

I may enjoy the occasional spotlight (because obviously I was the only star of the show growing up), but I have not lost sight of those around me. In fact, I appreciate my relationships with others even more. Without any blood related brothers or sisters, I can find the company of siblings in my close friends. Not to be all girly-girl sorority cheesy, but I really do find comfort in having my chapter there for me in the way "sisters" do. Going through rush, I wanted to be in a house that made me feel like I was at home. Definitely a much more chaotic home filled with lots of hormones but still a home none the less. I care for my friends in the way I would imagine siblings care for each other.

With all of this being said, just because my immediate family is small does not mean I do not understand the dynamics of a large family. With my mom's 12 other brothers and sisters, I definitely understand the chaos. I just get to take it in small doses.

Now, I'm not here to say that the stereotypes of only children are always wrong. There are definitely the exceptions that ruin our reputation, but do not be too quick to underestimate an only child.